Yes we can make a difference...

7 years ago I posted a letter; it was my first letter inquiring about adoption. Once we got approved I met an extraordinary online mom who adopted three children from India. She was there for me to send me an encouraging word when things were just taking forever.

We always stayed in touch and a few years ago she founded Illuminate India. I have supported them ever since because the work they do is just phenomenal.

My son graduated from Kindergarten today, I am so proud of him. He has come such a long way in the 15 months he’s been with us. But not all children get their forever family. For some children the reality is a life in the orphanage and very often those with severe disabilities are not even able to go outside.

It is those children that are at the heart of Illuminate India. They provide adapted vans, build new orphanages, provide therapist and much needed care for those who remain without a forever family.

This year I am turning 40 and a very dear friend of mine has turned 50. One day she came up with a very crazy idea... how about we climb the Kilimanjaro. I’m not one to shy away from a challenge so I was on board instantly! Then we started thinking... ok so we are fortunate enough to be able to afford to do this trip but surely something better can come out of it. So we are using our trip to raise awareness of Illuminate India.

You can donate to them via this link (none of the donation goes towards our trip, everything goes to Illuminate India!)


http://www.razoo.com/story/Darline-And-Heidi-Go-Kili-For-Illuminate-India


As little as $10 can make such a big difference to these children’s lives! In honour of those who give, those who care, a special flag will be designed and created, carrying the names of all those who gave and the names of the orphans who will benefit. We will carry this flag with us to the top of Kilimanjaro where we will raise it in your honour. On our return the flag will go to India to remind them that we do care and we have not forgotten about them.

Let’s show them there is hope, let’s give them the happiness they deserve.



To finish I will leave you with a photo of Avash, 16 years old and spent his entire life at the orphanage. Thanks to Illuminate India he was able to go to the playground for the first time. All these things we take for granted... the joy on his face should be enough to show that YES you can make a difference!!! Let's Illuminate India!!




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