An interesting and informative presentation by the founders of Beautiful Feet Ministries, Clair and Verle Ziolkowski, was given at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Radisson on the afternoon of Oct. 14. It was attended by 25 people from Hafford, Hepburn, Borden and Radisson, with COVID-19 rules being followed. The ladies present have been sewing Little Dresses for Africa for many years and were anxious to hear what Clair had to say about this charity.
Clair and his wife Verle founded this ministry after he visited the country of Zambia in 2013 with Gideon’s International and personally witnessed the great need in rural communities and thus was inspired to create Beautiful Feet Ministries. He travelled alone to Zambia in 2015 with the first container of goods and thus the ministry began. To date he has made 10 trips to Zambia and Malawi with shipments that included more than a million meals packaged as dehydrated vegetables and proteins and at least 8,000 little dresses, books, school supplies and medical supplies. The shipping crates used for delivery are then made into furniture. This year sewing machines and sewing supplies will also be sent. Gifts of the little dresses are distributed to the many HIV orphanages scattered throughout Zambia and Malawi.
The costs of shipping and travel are covered by donations from the Saskatoon area. Anyone interested can contact Clair at 119 Tucker Cres., Saskatoon, Sask. S7H 3H7.
Those gathered at this event enjoyed looking at photos and other items that Claire brought for display. The ladies proudly presented 168 little dresses that were sewn this past summer by members of the local sewing groups. It was good to hear that Clair is willing to give a similar report next year.
The Borden United Church will have a mitten tree to collect mitts/gloves, toques and scarves starting Nov. 15 and these will go to the Lighthouse in North Battleford before Christmas. At their White Gift Service on Dec. 20 at 1:30 p.m. in St. John’s Church, they will take monetary donations to go the Saskatoon Food Bank and will also donate $100 to the food bank. The Christmas Eve service will be held Dec. 24at 4 p.m. in the Borden Community Centre and COVID-19 precautions will be used at all services. Borden United Church will not be holding services in the church on Nov. 29 or Dec. 27.
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