P.E.I. helps transform Kenyan community for the better

A group of volunteers from Prince Edward Island hasraised over a million dollars for a community in Kenya over the last decade, and thoseefforts have led to a dramatic change in the community.

It all started whenTed Grant visited Mikinduri,Kenya. There, he saw poverty, a shortage of clean water, people with disabilities who needed assistance, and families who didn't have enough to eat.

"Poor roads, just a lack of opportunity," he said of what he saw during his first trip. "I met hundreds and hundreds of people who just had no chance for the future. You know, they were making 30, 40, 50 cents a day trying to feed their families."

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It moved him and many other Islanders to help.

They've spent more than a decade fundraising, with events like theMikinduriChildren of Hope yard sale at theEastlinkCentre this weekend.

Today, it looks much different.

Hundreds of kids in school, new buildings, medical clinics, and paved roads.

"The first time I went there it took me an hour and half to drive 18 miles. Now you can drive the same thing in 15, 20 minutes," he said.

"It's an amazing feeling to be able to stand in front of a group of hungry kids and say we can help them. You know, it's just, it's just amazing. And yes it's emotional because you see those little faces."

Now, a new generation of Islanders islending a hand, including12-year-old Patience Smith.

"It feels really good because like we're so fortunate over here and they're not and I feel like we should all you know help back because it's just you know something that we should all do," she said.

The next project focuses on making sure girls don't miss school when they have their periods.

Islanders are making kits with the necessary supplies. And there are plans to start a small business to make the kits in Mikinduri.

All part of ongoing efforts to help them help themselves.

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