The SunShine Foundation Luxor
The SunShine Project UK

What a fantastic spring and summer SunShine has had. Following on from the winter when we saw the opening of the Ahmed Esmet Street premises for the younger children, Lorna brought us the plans for the new Children's Village. Contracts were exchanged and in the late spring large holes appeared in the sandy ground. These have been quickly filled with concrete and walls are starting to go up. We hope that the first phase will be completed in the spring or early summer.

The older children, who have lived most of their lives with the promise of a new home, now know that their home is under way and that they will see it before they grow up. There is great excitement in Luxor as the progress of the village project increases in pace.

Unfortunately, as you probably know, we did not have sufficient funds to complete the village in one phase, we had to stop 3 buildings short. The good news is that since we launched an appeal for these 3 buildings we have raised sufficient to build a further building, leaving us with only 2 to go. Your support has been magnificent and we know that there is still more to come in as your individual fundraising events happen. I have been to Belgium during October to receive a cheque from our supporters who have raised 25,000 Euros for the building fund.

The good news on the Children's Village has also started to put some strain on our reserves; our regular expenditure in Luxor is increasing, not only because of their higher rate of inflation but also because we have more buildings and the children are getting larger. This year we have to find funds for schools fees, uniforms etc. for a further 8 children. We are looking at our regular finances and planning to hold some fundraising initiatives.

The children are well and happy and the work of Lorna Ford, the Egyptian Trustees and the staff and volunteers in Luxor maintains the happy and caring atmosphere for the children. Luxor remains a very happy environment, which welcomes sponsors and supporters as part of the SunShine Family.

Thank you to all our supporters and sponsors who have helped magnificently with our exciting new project, we will let you have more news as it happens, your financial help and your fundraising efforts have changed the lives of the children this year. If we had more supporters and sponsors our task would be so much easier and we could do so much more. Please ask a neighbour or friend to consider becoming a sponsor.

Thank you to all the companies and organisations who help us, both in the UK and also in Egypt, your contribution is always magnificent and we could not function without you.

Thank you to the Governor of Luxor Dr. Samir Farrag, the Directorate of Social Affairs and the Egyptian Army who have all co-operated to make the village happen.

Thank you to the U.K. Directors of SunShine who have overseen the changes and sometimes made difficult decisions in the interest of the long-term welfare of the children. You have kept the spirit of Pearl Smith alive in the way that Sunshine operates.

Ten years ago Pearl asked me to join SunShine to help her to build the permanent home for the children. Today Pearl's dream is becoming a reality.

Wim Hoogerwerf - Chairman SunShine Project UK