Kitting out the kids for the start of a new school year is an annual expense that every parent dreads but has to face.
So imagine what it's like for Mama with 99 children in our Happy House family needing new school shoes all at the same time?
While hand down where we can, most shoes are worn out by the heavy wear they get from children who, full of energy, are constantly on the go.
While hand down where we can, most shoes are worn out by the heavy wear they get from children who, full of energy, are constantly on the go.
Shoes are looked after carefully to make them last, with a rota of children taking it in turns on polishing duty every day.
And apart from our own children, there are our 22 scholarship students who we must also provide with shoes.
The cost is approximately £10 a pair, and to save us transporting kids to his shop the man from Bata brought his measure to Happy House to ensure each child would be sized up correctly and delivered the shoes in bulk.
The total cost of shoes, never mind new dresses, trousers, shirts, PE kit etc, is more than £1,200 and comes at time when our budget is stretched to the absolute limit and our reserves are being swallowed up by the relocation of our school.
If you can to help in any way, by making a donation (as one or two people already have) to pay for a pair of shoes or by making a donation towards our school build we would be so grateful.
The past year has been difficult for the whole community of Watamu and we are no exception.
And whilst we are experiencing a hard time financially, our family has grown - by 22 children since last April.
Our thrifty Mama holds a tight rein on the purse strings, every penny is spent wisely and scrupulously accounted for, but she admits this is a very worrying time.
If you can help by making a donation you can do this online at https://www.justgiving.com/childrenofwatamu/Donate/ or if you prefer to send a cheque (payable to Happy House) please post to Elizabeth Gomm (UK voluntary coordinator), 6 Burwood Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8NS.
If you are a UK taxpayer, please Gift Aid your donation - it brings us an extra 25p in every pound.
You can do this on JustGiving or by requesting a Gift Aid form from Elizabeth when sending a cheque (this can be sent by email so please enclose your postal address or email)
Thank you
