Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Most people at the moment have been donating to buy the children warm clothes for the winter. Amanda is trying to get a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves and socks and footwear on every child for the winter. So far I think she needs more coats and shoes but people are also taking clothing out to give to the children.
Amanda's email at home is down at present so not so easy to keep in touch. Also, she will be busy with her large family and accomodating a family who wish to take presents to the orphanage tomorrow. SHE NEVER STOPS!
You can keep a check on progress on www.orphanagestoikite-bg.org . The heating fund is a huge project but Amanda is determined that she will get these children warm, and give them heat & hot water so please spread the word so people can help out with their donations.
Thank you. Carole

The heating fund is going very slowly and we are trying to think of ideas to raise awareness. Here is an interesting read from the lovely family who travelled from Yambol to be with the children and Amanda and her family on Christmas day. As you can see, they ARE cold.

We (my wife Paula and Daughter Kayleigh)went to the orphanage yesterday and took a small gift for each child to open. (it won't cause a ripple in their lives as a whole, but a smile on Christmas day - well worth it).
We followed Amanda and hubby Douglas from their house in our car. (we had travelled earlier from a foggy Yambol and even managed to escape a fine for speeding on a clear stretch of road on our way to Pamporovo early on Christmas morning!)
First impressions once inside the building? COLD, COLD, COLD and a real stench - not nice and of children so pleased to see Amanda and Douglas. We distributed the small gifts and Amanda handed out much needed coats to those without and also many items that have been donated by forum members and others recently (Amanda has asked me to mention that she is suffering with flu and to thank all those you have donated items and money - she will update as soon as she is a bit better).
The children obviously liked getting some Christmas goodies and because of their reactions it really has been our best Christmas. I have never in my 48 years seen a child quite that excited over a new chess game! (the version that costs 12 leva)
We had a look around the building and although we expected grim (and it is pretty grim)- it is the COLD inside and the stench that continually hits you. They may as well be sleeping outside. There is no heating whatsoever.
Conclusions:
> Amanda and her family are doing a fantastic job and giving freely, a rare commodity in our hectic lifes "TIME". I know Amanda is not contributing for some kind of public recognition, but she and others - Carole springs to mind need to be given the credit for what they have achieved thus far. It cannot have been easy.
> These children are cold - please give what you can to the central heating fund see http://www.orphanagestoikite-bg.org/contact.htm
> We really have had our best Christmas Day ever and will never forget those smiles