After volunteering in Tanzania for several months caring for HIV positive and impoverished children, I knew my mission in life was only beginning.

I took over 80 sweaters, school supplies, medical supplies and numerous other items with me from Canada. Not one item went to waste. No matter how small or inexpensive, the appreciation was overwhelming.

As a gift to the children before I left, I personally bought 50 pairs of new shoes and socks (a logistic nightmare). I can only say that there are no words to describe their total astonishment and happiness.

And to see street children as young as five years old was heart-breaking. With no one to care for them, they can only try to survive on the streets. The first street boy I helped had only two possessions in the world - his ripped t-shirt and pants. Nothing else, absolutely nothing else!

He and I went through the local market and I let him pick out what he wanted. He chose a white dress shirt, best, pants and a pair of shoes. He held my hand as we left the market and he walked like a little king. I then took him for a meal. He had never been inside a restaurant and eaten a real meal - only the garbage outside. As he ate, the look of gratitude for every morsel was heart-wrenching.

Together we can "Wipe Their Tears"
Donate Now . . .

Lorraine Paquette
Founder & Executive Director,
Wipe Their Tears

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