About Us
Tumaini Afrika Sault Ste. Marie is a locally based group of volunteers who are dedicated to giving a “hand up” to children and youth in Africa. In March 2014, a group of women from across Ontario travelled to Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Africa By Design Safaris. Some women from SSM, who had been in the group, came home clearly moved by what they had experienced and realized that we fortunate ones, needed to do something to help those less fortunate.
Several friends and interested others came together to form Tumaini Afrika and we have been raising funds and helping support children and women in Kenya ever since. Through a variety of fund-raising initiatives, money is raised to support projects and programs that provide students with skills, lessons, and the opportunity for a sustainable life that will last for years. We see education as the key and helping children and schools have been the focus so far.
Current Members of Tumaini Afrika- Diane Hilderley, Judith McLeish, Bruce McLeish, Jan Poulin-Zurawinski, Wendy Upton, Maria Burgess, Sheena Smith, Gabi Doleske, Marg Dodds, Carey Groot, Sheree Wilson, Jeannine Jefferson, Micheline Findlay, Holly Wickett, Cheryl Mireault, Maxine Lalonde, Linda Mizzi, Sherri Johnson, Heather Douglas, Leona Kohvakko and Mariella Hales.
How We Raise Our Funds
Fundraising Social Events
Tumaini Afrika raises money by organizing social gatherings that allow our supporters to have a great time while supporting our work in Africa. We’ve sold out two “A Taste of Kenya” Dinners where Kenyan food was prepared by the WaterTower Inn chefs. Add a delectable dessert auction and fabulous musical entertainment and you have a win-win for everyone.
Pub nights are also a hit. The local band, The Reptiles, keeps the dance floor full and the Auction always allows people to go home with an interesting purchase. All items for the Auction come from donations from local businesses and generous members of the community.
In 2017 we hosted a Murder Mystery Theatre. A murder took place and the crowd put on their detective hats to help solve it, all while enjoying a fabulous meal!
Garage Sales & Markets
Yearly, we hold the “Big As An Elephant” Garage Sale. All items are donated by generous members of the community and hundreds flock to the sales to buy up the great deals. We've noticed that many buyers quietly slip in a little extra cash knowing the good their donation will do.
Keep an eye out for next year’s event!
We also take advantage of local Markets to sell donated items. Whether it be the YMCA Holiday Craft show, the Station Mall Pre-Christmas Sale, The Mill Market or the Ole Warehouse, we show up with our donated items to help raise money to fund our initiatives.
On-line sales - check out Facebook, Sootoday Classified and Marketplace under Judith McLeish for items for sale, with proceeds going to Tumaini Afrika.
Personal Donations
We are very grateful for personal donations that we receive to help build the new school, and to purchase school supplies and food to feed the children.
Although we cannot issue a tax receipt, we can assure you that the funds will be used in Kenya!
If you would like to donate please etransfer to tumainibuild@proton.me
Asante sana!