CNY Ang Pows For Sale

HeArt has launched another project to raise funds for the refugee schools, this time we're selling beautiful ang pow packets using the tiger drawing from Jenny. As CNY is fast approaching we're selling them very cheap at only RM10 for 3 packs (10 packets in each pack). Please help support this project by buying the ang pows and telling your friends about it as well. Send your orders to my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com

You'll be happy to know that 13 year old Jenny who drew the tiger (featured in the 2010 HeArt calender and Jungle cards), was recently relocated to New York with her family. She had been in Malaysia for more than 3 years. I've seen Jenny blossom from a shy 9 yr old to a confident and beautiful teenager. She was even selected to appear in their Kachin community's 2010 calender as one of the models. I'm sure she'll do very well in New York as will her brother Peter who aspires to be an engineer so he can return to Myanmar to build homes for the poor people.

Lulu Leaves on a Jetplane...

A few weeks ago we said goodbye to one of the most amazing women I've ever met. Lulu was finally relocated to the US (Des Moines, Iowa) in December after spending 3 years in Malaysia.

Lulu founded New Generation and Victory Schools almost 3 years ago and has been instrumental in helping her Kachin community receive aid and education. To me she is the true leader of her community and many would attest to that.

She is a tireless worker who has sacrificed so much for her people. She spent many nights staying up late to help her friends or just lend a sympathetic ear. She would put others first before herself especially the children whom she loved and helped to educate. One of the most amazing things about her was her ability to manifest positive things to happen. Whenever she had a need for the school, for the children or for her community, she would pray diligently and with great persistence. Within a few days someone would donate the items she prayed for or give a donation at a time in need. Her faith is unbelievably strong and her intentions are always noble.

It was with a heavy heart that Lulu left for Des Moines Iowa on December 15th as she was sad to leave behind the schools she had built and the community she patiently helped to take care of. But she also left confident that her legacy will continue in the capable hands of her successor, Teacher Grace and all the other great Kachin teachers whom she trained personally. It was a tearful farewell party and all the teachers and volunteers took turns to share their experience with Lulu and some even sang songs to her which got the whole room reaching for the tissue box!

I don't think she realises just how much she has done for her people especially the children she has helped to educate and empower. Lulu will always be remembered as a great and inspirational leader and is a role model for so many of us.

We wish you all the best in Iowa and look forward to more updates from you. I know you'll be just as great a leader in Des Moines as you were here. God bless you always!

HeArt-felt Gratitude

A giant THANK YOU to everyone who purchased HeArt merchandise. I am very pleased to announce that since sales started about a month and a half ago we have managed to raise almost RM19,000 for New Generation & Victory Schools!!

We had several generous companies buying a few hundred calenders to give away as premiums (thanks Marcus, Sheen & Lee Chin!). We also made some great sales at the various Christmas bazaars. Lauren did a fantastic job with the display and presentation (see photos here). She and Donna raised RM3177 at the American Bazaar. We also did well at the German Bazaar and various other international school bazaars & art markets (thanks Shannon). I would like to extend our gratitude to the Interact Club of Alice Smith School for helping us raise more than RM800 at their bazaar (Myrthe & Hideko you girls rock!).

It was a busy year end with all the bazaars but it was well worth every effort. All proceeds from the sales will go towards the 2 refugee schools involved in the project. It will be used for school rental, food, school supplies, art materials, school fees and other basic necessities for the refugee children.

The children, as you can imagine, are incredibly proud to be a part of this project and feel empowered that they are able to help raise funds for their schools.

We are almost sold out of our 2010 calenders and handmade medallions so pls order them quickly. We still have alot of Angel & Jungle cards as well as angel gift wrap and gift cards. For orders send an email to my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com

Once again thanks so much for your continued support, it means so much to the children. Stay tuned for some exciting upcoming art projects through HeArt!

Christmas Treat from Lions Club

The Lions Club of Damansara Heights recently hosted almost 400 refugee students, their parents and their teachers to a huge Christmas party held at DUMC's Dream Center.

Mr. Onny Maathai (President of the Lions Club D'sara Heights) and his team of "Lions" including volunteers from HELP Institute, made sure everyone had a great time. There was lots of great food sponsored by Ahli Maju, presents and Christmas party favours, and even a fantastic performance by an 11-yr old magician. The kids were entertained by clowns and loved the balloon sculpture and face painting done by volunteers. Later on the students from New Generation & Victory Schools performed some songs, dances and even a catwalk show with the youngest "model" being only 5 years old!

It was a great evening and many of the parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their children.

Thanks to the Lions Club and all the sponsors for making this happen, thanks also to DUMC for hosting the venue.