Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Its now 10.15am BG time and Bridget, Pete, Andy and family have just left for the next leg of their journey. They are going from here to Greece to catch a ferry over to Italy where they will find a campsite this evening.

It was a real treat having them all here and spending time in their company and the house is now very quiet. I told little Alice she had to stay with me and she didn't know how to tell me that you didn't want to stay as she would miss her Mum and Dad too much.

Bless her and all of them - such a lovely family. To see two grown biker men with tears in their eyes when we finally met is something I shall always remember. Also, to see them all chatting and playing around with the children made you realise what it was all about. Bon voyage special people.

Andie xx

I will sort out the photos and post them on a page just for them on the orphanage website asap

Although we are not in possession of the full facts at this stage we have recently been informed that several orphanages are earmarked for closure and there is a possibility that Stoikite Orphanage will be one of them.

With this news in mind we have decided not to continue with the installation of the heating until it has been confirmed 100%.

If it is confirmed that the Stoikite Orphanage will be closed we will make a decision on the funds raised for this project and look to redirecting them and recent donations such as items of clothing etc to other charities and/or good causes for the benefit of Bulgarian children.

We will post again when we receive further clarification and information but as you can imagine we are all totally gutted by this news.

Andie et al

It has now been confirmed that Stoikite orphanage will definitely be closed. Although it was first thought that this would be imminent an extension has been arranged and the closure could take some months to complete.

Unfortunately this means there could possible be children in the Stoikite Orphanage but to continue with the installation of the heating for just one winter it is felt would not make best use of the donations to the heating fund. Doug has assured me that he will do everything he can to “nurse” the old heating system again this winter to give some heating for the children.

The money that was withdrawn to buy heating materials has been returned in full to the Escrow Fund. I am now waiting for the cheque donated by Bridget, Pete, Andy et al (The Bikers) to be cleared. I have been advised that this could take up to a month (please don’t shoot the messenger).

When I receive notification that this cheque has been cleared we choose an alternative worthy cause/charity/organisation to donate this money to with the full agreement of everyone concerned i.e. those who have made donations to the heating fund appeal.

We would like to also thank everyone who has supported us and done so much to help these children and have commiserated with us at this unfortunate outcome.

Andie

Kim, please read our update on either the orphanage website or on the MyBG forum. We update and post when we have factual information and not speculation as this is not helpful to anyone.

But, to answer your questions. Nothing has been decided yet about the money as we are waiting for more information about the future of the Stoikite children. But I can report that it is being held in the Escrow Account until a decision is made. We have also been informed that it is possible that the orphanage will remain open for the time being - maybe up to one year. If we hear differently we will let everyone know.

Andie & Carole