Update on “The Springs of Hope, Kenya” Orphange
I got an update from Molly Bail (my friend of many years and the woman behind Springs of Hope, Kenya), on the progress in completing the Orphanage that so many of you have helped support through your generous donations, and I’ve got lots of great news to report today:
First, the roof is completely done, the security wall around the Orphanage is nearly complete (Molly tells me this wall is very important), and they are set to open in a little over a month; on Monday, June 1st.
Here’s part of Molly’s construction report:
“We are about to lay the tile on Monday. We are tiling the bathrooms, hallway and kitchen. If funds allow we will do main floor, and bedrooms. If not we will use throw rugs. They are finishing up septic tank; paint inside and out. The kitchen still needs appliances (frig, freezer, Stove/oven), and we need to put up the front gate, doors need to be put on, etc.”
I also asked Molly how we can help hit that June opening date. She gave me a list of things they still really need, and their approximate costs:
- Furniture for living/dining areas $2,370 US
- To fully furnish each bedroom is appox. $970
- Kitchen freezer $390
- Refrigerator-$515
- Kitchen Stove-$960
- Cabinets for entire Kitchen-$2,170
- Pots, pans, silverware-$410
- Chairs and seating for house: $910
- Linens towels-$447
- Playground for the children (Molly says this is very much needed!) Approx. $4,840 US
If you, or if you work at a company that supports really great causes like this, and you want to pick up any one (or more) of those items, you will have done something really impactful in the life of a child.
100% of the money you donate goes to actually feeding and housing children who need us so badly. June 1st is right around the corner, and I hope you’ll consider picking up any one of the items on that list above.
You can donate by using PayPal (here’s the link to their site—the PayPal button to donate is there, or you can send a check).
Molly Bail, who sold her home and all her belongings, and moved to Kenya with her husband and son to build this Orphanage, included this line in her email to me yesterday:
“You all are so wonderful…please thank all your readers from us here in Kenya! We are so very grateful for them!“
So am I, Molly. My readers constantly amaze me at their generosity, and compassion for others. I am humbled by their contributions to this very important building project, and honored that they’ve come on board with Springs of Hope, Kenya in such a meaningful way.




















you are doing an amazing thing here Scott!! A true inspiration!
Let’s see, if everyone who reads this blog sent in a few dollars, we could have this place open in style on June 1!
I’ll match any donation (up to $1000 total) from the blog. So if you give $5, the orphanage will get $10. All you have to do is go to the link above and send a check or use PayPal. Oh, and your contribution is tax-deductible.
If you enjoy Scott’s blog, here’s a way to give back to a very worth cause.
Janine
I sent $75.00 this morning!
You’re the best! Hope others will be inspired to help out, too.
Janine
I just sent $10 look at comment after I made donation so they will get a matching donation from Janine, very nice thing you are doing Scott and Janine
This is a great cause so I just donated $300. Thanks for keeping us updated Scott!
donated $20… Every little bit helps.
Re Janine: Thanks for the matching…
Wow, you guys are great! I love thinking of that orphanage outfitted by my fellow photo geeks. Hm, we have to make sure they get some cameras, right?
Janine
Yes got to have photo gear to record history of opening and all the kids they will help!
Just for the record; I so dig Janine!!! She has SUCH a big heart, and is always one of the first to help out for things like this.
Janine, when I see you, you have a huge hug coming!!!!
-Scott
I couldn’t donate much, but I hope my little bit helps.
My grandkids said I could donate their birthday money for this year. They are so excited to help and so am I.
Hey, even a few dollars helps! I knew Scott’s fans are the best, and you guys are really making a difference where it counts. Skip that latte, send $5. It will be greatly appreciated.
Janine
I’m in for $25… I know it is not much when compared to the need, but I hope it helps!
Take care,
JD
JD, thank you! Everyone who chips in makes a big difference.
Janine
Let me just say I am delighted whenever you guys donate and I have to kick in some more $! Let’s keep going!
Janine
Hi
Just added my $100. I really hope they get all the parts finished by June 1st.
all the best
Vahur
Scott, Janine, Great work you are doing! I just made a donation of $50.00 for this very worthy cause! You guys are great! Thanks to everyone else who has donated!
Dennis
Oh, I have a used camera. How would I go about donating it?
Hi Scott – I read your update about Springs of Hope and Molly’s comment about a much needed playground for the children. I own a landscape architecture firm in Nevada and we have designed numerous parks and playgrounds (I am also an avid photographer and have attended the Photoshop World Conference in Las Vegas… which is why I know about you). I may be able to help through my contacts in the industry with the playground equipment manufacturers. If Molly already has everything she needs except the money, maybe I could get my fellow landscape architects to chip in.
I know you hear from a lot of folks, but if there is anything I or my firm can do let me know. We would be happy to donate design services, if needed, or do a little fund raising.
Thanks
Ryan
I hesitate to mention this – and, believe me, I think this is a good cause and I will donate – but, my gosh, are things really that expensive in Kenya? Or is it just the that dollar is worth so little?
I really, really like Kenya and the people there! I visited Kenya 2005 and since then I have had no hesitations to donate to organizations there. So – I donated 10 dollars…
And if you allow Scott, I would like to recommend you and all others to read this wonderful and frightening report from a guy I met in Kenya. He is one of the leading persons in the organization RYSA – a organization for supporting teenagers. You can find the report here on my webpage – http://www.almemedia.se/rysa/report. I and the organization want to distribute this report – please help us!
Scott,
This sounds like an opportunity for a photo project fundraiser.
A documentary photo workshop, profits go to the orphanage.
just a thought
Simon