As I move into "semi" retirement, I have been looking for an opportunity to "give rather than take", having had a rich and rewarding personal life to date. I lost my wife suddenly in 2008 and I know how much she loved Africa and devoted her life to children. I believe God led me to Open Arms International earlier this year.

I have met the wonderful people who lead this "mission" and in June experienced for myself on the ground the work that is done in supporting the poor, and particularly in providing love, care and education for orphans. What struck me most was the hunger for love from the children I met, especially in the dangerous, glue-sniffing, persecuted street environment. Open Arms provides all these needy kids require to establish a life of respect, responsibility, stability and contribution to tehir future society.   

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

I hope you may be able to help. There are two options - one or more single payments, or (as you can imagine, very helpful to the  work), a monthly direct debit. To realise a child from the streets and repatriate them with a family costs £175. To feed a shanty town child on the regular feeding programme is £28 a month. The full cost of care in the orphanage is £175 a month - a lot of money - but this can be shared in subdivisions of £29 a month. For monthly contributions please contact liz@openarms.co.uk.