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from the tournament

Watch the TunaHAKI feature
on TVO's "Get Involved"
(Click on "THE EISEN FAMILY")

Wow! What a volleyball tournament! Who knew that raising money could be so much fun? The first annual TunaHAKI Beach Volleyball Party on September 20, 2008 has come and gone. We just want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who participated as sponsors, donors, players, volunteers and cheerleaders on the sidelines. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and enthusiasm.

There was a great vibe on the courts as friends, family, and former strangers joined together to serve a few balls, drink a few beers, and reach out to kids on the other side of the world. You raised $30,441. Congratulations! Every penny will go directly to help the TunaHAKI Center for Child Development in Moshi, Tanzania. With rising food costs, expensive school fees, and plans to build a new, sustainable home, the money is not only welcome, it's crucial. The kids at TunaHAKI have been orphaned by AIDS, ravaged by poverty, or simply abandoned. Yet, despite living in cramped quarters in a dusty slum, they are an amazing group of kids. They have so little, but have so much spirit. And now they have 200 new friends in Canada. Thanks to you, they are the real winners of this tournament.

BACK TO TANZANIA

Some of us are returning to Tanzania this Christmas to volunteer at the orphanage once again. We look forward to spending time with the kids and being able to see firsthand the difference your contributions are making in their daily lives.

David, the wonderful guy who runs the orphanage in Tanzania, says he's not much of a volleyball player, but he sends warm regards and a huge "asante sana" (thanks so much) to all of you.

Help us spread the word about TunaHAKI. Please keep us in mind if you or anyone you know is fundraising and looking for a worthy cause.

Finally, start practicing your spike, because we are already planning next year's tournament. Let the games begin!