Sunday January 20th. 2008

Scottish International Relief (SIR) Dalmally, is providing emergency funding to help feed families caught up in the devastating violence and rioting in Kenya. It already feeds 1,500 children a day at their newly opened feeding centre in Kiango Primary, in the violence ravaged Kisli Region of Western Kenya. However, the charity has been overrun by refugees who have fled their homes amid days of ethnic violence.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, chief executive of SIR, said this week: “We have released funds to feed a further 2,800 people, mostly women and children who have arrived at the centre with nothing.”

The charity's global school feeding project, Mary's Meals, feeds over 200,000 of the world's poorest children every day they attend school.

Charles Chuma, Mary's Meals coordinator in Kenya, has witnessed the growing numbers arriving at Kiango.  

He said: “The refugees who arrive at Kiango Primary are scared, hungry and see Mary's Meals as a safe haven. We are trying our best to give them food and hope.”

Many gathering at the feeding centre have seen their homes and belongings burned in the carnage that followed the country's recent election.  It only costs £5.30 a year to provide a child with a meal every day they attend school. Anyone wishing to help can hand in donations at the Chapel House.                                                          

Dalmally Charity delivers food aid amid Kenya violence

Today, Chloe Margaret is a very healthy baby, and has doubled her weight already. She is obviously a great fighter, and I am sure this gift will remain with her throughout her life. Clare is now in great health, and she and Mark are enjoying every minute of bringing up their beautiful and precious daughter.

The happy conclusion to their story is that Mark and Clare have arranged for Chloe Margaret to be baptised in St. Margaret’s, Roy Bridge on the Sunday after Easter. It is possible that Fr. Patrick Kilgariff, who married Mark and Clare, and is a great friend of the family, may be free to come and baptise Chloe Margaret.  

I am sure many of our parishioners will look forward to seeing Mark and Clare with their baby daughter, and welcome them back home, if only for a short time.  Mark is a professional musician and plays in the  Belgian National Orchestra, and has many commitments at this time of the year.

We thank God that they are all well and so happy. May the angels protect Chloe Margaret, and may she grow into a beautiful girl, be radiantly happy and give much joy to her parents, grandparents, all the family, and the many friends she will make in her life.  God bless her.