Novel Fundraiser in San Pedro is Proving a Great Success

Elizabeth Pridgeon

Liberty Children’s Home in Ladyville, which offers a refuge for abandoned and abused children, has over recent months become critically close to closing its operation down due to a lack of funding.  There have been times when the staff haven’t even been paid due to serious cash flow problems, precipitated by a sole reliance on donations and community fundraising events for financial funding.

Thankfully, things are at last looking up for Liberty Children’s Home due to a novel fundraising event in conjunction with some top restaurants in San Pedro.  Bluewater Grill, Caliente and Red Ginger are three restaurants which are now collecting donations on behalf of Liberty Children’s Home.  What is unique about the arrangement is that the restaurant owners Kelly McDermott Kanabar and Mukul Kanabar have committed to matching every donation, dollar for dollar.  Thus a customer dining at the restaurant who pledges $20 to Liberty Children’s Home will have his donation doubled by a $20 contribution from the restaurateurs.

This initiative is a great method for the San Pedrano business owners to show their support, meanwhile encouraging diners and visitors to donate as much as possible.  The restaurants even accept donations from non-diners and the business community, which they will similarly match dollar for dollar.  According to Delfena Mitchell, Director of Liberty Children’s Home, “the money these businesses can raise for Liberty Children’s Home can make a real difference in the lives of these children”.

The fundraising campaign started just before the Christmas break, on 23^rd December, and since then, all diners have been informed about the appeal during their meal by educated waiting staff who have been briefed on all aspects of the Children’s Home.  At the end of the restaurant visit, if diners wish to contribute to the campaign, they can donate their dollars into a donation box, and pick up a brochure telling them more about Liberty Children’s Home.

So far, in just over six weeks, a staggering $3000 has already been raised, and the fundraising drive looks set to continue as the organisers are already really impressed at the generosity of clients.  Anyone wishing to donate to Liberty Children’s Home is strongly encouraged to do so via collection boxes at Bluewater Grill, Caliente and Red Ginger because giving at these restaurants promises to make donor’s money make twice the difference.

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