Cheryle's first visit was nine years ago to visit an orphanage. When she arrived at Cochin railway station she saw young homeless children sleeping at the station and in rail carriages, her first thought being a Rotarian was I must do something for these children. On arriving at the orphanage in forty degrees plus heat she discovered that there were up to seven destitute children separated from their siblings crammed in a bed, in awful conditions with no aircon. Something had to be done, she could not turn her back on these desperate children and asked fellow Rotarians to put aside the fact of Indian billionaires and rocket projects and to put the children's needs in our thoughts.
In Kerela a gentleman called John Beech bought a piece of land and Hope Village was created with the help of local Rotary Clubs.

The dream was created to give a home and a family, brothers and sisters and most importantly a mother to one hundred destitute children. The vision was to build a village with ten houses, each to be a home for ten children and a mother who will bring them up with love and care and a bright future.
The village is fully educational with sporting and other activities, a fun place to be with a real community feeling.

Young trustees were brought in and eventually it is hoped the village will be completely run by themselves.

Cheryle spent her time by teaching first aid as well as an excellent funding program to support a future village clinic within the community, raising up to now in excess of $10,000 with a global grant and still ongoing! Local professional medical Rotarians will run the clinic, and work closely with local Health Authorities, funds will also be used for staff training and a water supply, currently the children have to collect water by foot, bike or whatever means.

Cheryle hopes to be visiting in November & January after a year out as Rotary District Governor

Church Wilne Rotary Club is attracting new members through various initiatives, associate membership, satellite clubs and Friends of Rotary, where people can assist with running some of our events. Volunteering helps to get a taste of what it would be like to join the club

For more information on Rotary, our speaker evenings, events and the main activities organised by our club please contact our Secretary, Mick White at: rccw1220@gmail.com

Rtn David Smith
For Church Wilne Rotary