Every child deserves to know they matter. ✨ Thank you to everyone who made this possible—you’ve touched lives in ways words cannot fully express.💓 #EveryChildMatters #HealingHearts #SharaFoundation
#Healing From Orphan to Advocate: What the Shara Foundation 2024 Toy Drive Meant to Me💓 I experienced many highlights (and low moments—we all did) in 2024. One of the highlights that deeply resonated with me was working on the Shara Foundation 2024 Toy Drive. I had two main goals: for each resident to receive a gift, and a personalized holiday card. Why were these goals so important to me, you may ask? Growing up in an orphanage in Grenada, I was 9 years old when I first began living in a home. I cannot recall ever having something special—like a toy—that was solely mine. Sure, there were shared toys for all the children to play with, but there’s something profoundly empowering about having something that is uniquely yours. My inner child felt deeply fulfilled when, at the end of the Toy Drive, we received enough gifts for each child (over 70 of them) in all four homes to receive an individual present. Additionally, each home received multiple group gifts, such as games that encourage teamwork and connection through play. What touched me even more was when one of our program directors, Priscilla Vloe, MHA made sure every resident received a personalized card with their name and a special message written just for them. Reflecting on my own childhood in an orphanage, I realized how much this effort would have meant to my younger self. It would have made me feel seen, valued, and loved—not just as part of a group but as an individual, recognized for who I am. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Shara Foundation team, our generous donors, selfless volunteers, and the incredible staff at the Queen Elizabeth Home (and the other three homes too) for helping to heal my inner child through this effort. To the management and staff of the Queen Elizabeth Home, thank you for empowering and nurturing the precious residents in your care. May our Father in Heaven bless you abundantly as you continue your work with these wonderful children. I look forward to sharing updates about the other homes soon, but today I wanted to reflect on and celebrate this beautiful moment showcasing the residents and staff of the Queen Elizabeth Home. #EveryChildMatters #HealingHearts #SharaFoundation