There are so many great updates from the Roundabout Distribution Charity Store that it is worthy of its own posting.
Leslie Simpson wants to share all the great news with the community, as she realizes that the people here who donate, volunteer and otherwise help out their causes are the reason it works. If you’d like to receive her e-newsletters directly, simply contact Leslie at thecharitystore@gmail.com to request being on the mailing list. Here’s the latest from Roundabout:
The first charity book fair held at the British School of Beijing (Shunyi campus) on January 29 was a resounding success! Over RMB 47,000 was raised, which will go to help two toddlers with specific needs.
First is baby Zhang Qing Long, born with a big bilateral cleft and respiratory issues, developing many infections and failing to thrive. Abandoned at birth, the orphanage sent him to Beijing for palliative care at China Little Flower when he was 11 months old. This strong baby, however, began to improve with loving care and is now strong enough for the needed surgery. The U.S. procedure is gratis, and the money raised from the book fair will cover the many additional costs incurred.
Feng Yuan Mu will also benefit from the book fair sales. This adorable little girl has many medical problems, including an anal deformity, bladder and urethral issues. From Shanxi, this little girl’s surgical expenses will be at least RMB 30,000 – twice that if two surgeries are needed. Roundabout is committed to getting her the surgery(ies) she requires, no matter the cost.
In other news, baby Ma Li Na was possibly hours from death due to a heart defect that needed immediate surgery. Her poor parents could not afford the RMB 100,000 cost required, so Nancy Robertson of The Grace Children’s Foundation convinced the hospital to operate with just a deposit made on her behalf. Roundabout paid an additional RMB 50,000 from store sales, and is now happy to report that Ma Li Na is recovering and thriving with her foster family. Soon, she will be able to return home with her parents – what great news!
Roundabout needs your books! Children’s books are always desired, but anything you have that can be donated for the upcoming book fairs turns around to help others in need. What a fantastic feeling it is to contribute in any way, big or small, making a difference in people’s lives. Call 1371 8011 124 for pick up, or simply drop off the books at the temporary Roundabout store location, directly behind their former building (in the same plaza as Radiance, Mrs. Shanen’s Bagels, etc.). Go to www.roundaboutchina.com for further information about the store, including directions.
Leslie is still waiting to hear the outcome, but she was optimistic andoverjoyed about the prospect that BSB recently provided. With the area villages being torn down, property is now either temporary or very expensive in the Shunyi area, especially for a volunteer run charity store. Leslie was many times redirected, but she never abandoned the charity efforts that have built up over time. Now, BSB is in talks with land developers to build — on their school property — a building that Leslie would be able to call home! Can you imagine? A brand new Roundabout store location, conveniently place on the Shunyi BSB campus? We are anxiously awaiting news from Leslie on the outcome. While she realizes this is far from a done-deal, she is in awe of the offer given to her. To be continued!
How can you get involved with Roundabout? Let me count the ways…
-donate books for book fairs
-donate items for sale in the stores
-donate clothes for distribution
-volunteer in the store
-spearhead a donation drive
-assist with the website creation or newsletter project
-spread the word!
-donate money
-ask Leslie what you can do
