The 2009 Mission

In 2009 we wanted to make things official and discussed setting up a charity. We decided on the name S.C.A.R.F. which stands for Sunshine Coast Africa Relief Fund and after what seemed like hundreds of hours of paperwork and dealing with government departments which took many months we received the official notice confirming the charity was now established!

This blog will keep you updated on our various projects, however should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us via email s.c.a.r.f@hotmail.com

Below is a brief description of the latest trip in July 2009.

Julie, Hannah, Gina & Shanelle took just over $18,000.00 (Australian) and were able to complete quite a number of large projects in a short amount of time.

Medical Clinic & School -
They provided funds to completely finish the school & also build a medical clinic on the same block of land.


New roof -
The girls arranged for a grandmother who looks after her 7 grandchildren to receive a new roof. The roof was in really bad condition and there were more holes than there was iron. The Grandma had managed to save up and buy three pieces of iron herself, however needed 21 to finish it off, which would have taken her forever to save up for.

Annoncietta -
It was great to be able to follow up with a very special person called Annoncietta. She is the lady that Julie, Elaine and Jodie helped last time by building her house for her after it had fallen down. This time we have been able to rent a plot of land for her for two years so that she will be able to grow her own vegetables.

Jodie and Julie had also bought her food for the time being and arranged for a rabbit hutch to be built so that she can breed and sell rabbits for food and money. We also bought Annoncietta and her children beds as they had no furniture in their house at all. This was the first time Annoncietta had ever had a proper bed to sleep in and she was extremely excited and very happy.

Medical Insurance -

On this trip the girls were able to purchase medical insurance for 100 people. Medical insurance for an entire year can be purchased for only $6. This not only allows the individual to be seen by a doctor, it also pays 90% of prescription costs if they require antibiotics.

Goats -
50 goats were purchased and distributed to local families. The girls had to go to 3 different goat markets in order to get this many goats. One lady was so excited she actually picked Gina up off the ground!! Cathy helped put it into perspective for use when she said that for a family to be given a goat is as exciting and significant as if we were given a mercedes!

Hospital Visit -

We also provided food for the childrens ward at the local hospital as the hospitals only provide basic care and beds. Medicines and food have to be provided by the patients family - so you can image it gets very difficult for the parents, especially when they have many children. It was a very rewarding experience and the people were very surprised and thankful. We bought formula (which is very expensive in Rwanda) for the babies and gave the mother money for food. We have arranged medical insurance for her and the children and brought them all clothes at the local market.

Assistance for Orphanages -

The ladies also gave money for food and blankets to Kizungo who looks after two orphanages in the Congo. Cathy has known Kizungo for many years & has assisted him in the past. Conditions are very poor in the Congo, and it's usually difficult to help because of both corruption and the volatile political situation. The money was given personally to Kizungo in Rwanda and he took it back across the border on his person. They were able to buy a lot of food for the orphans and he sent through a photo of some of the spoils!!

Thank you again for helping make these wonderful things possible and for making such a difference in so many lives.