Valerie Genge, a native of Anchor Point, now resides in St. John’s, NL. She is attempting to participate in an initiative to improve the quality of lives of those suffering serious disease in Africa. This missionary work, shows dedication, commitment and compassion to humanity. She is to be commended on her undertaking, but like most volunteer work abroad, it can be costly and she is asking for your support.

Below is a letter received by Ms. Genge:

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to you to ask for your help in support of a wonderful cause.  I have been asked to participate in an organization called the Pan-African Acupuncture Project that is playing a significant role in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering of people in Africa with HIV, AIDS, malaria and TB. With your generous support, I can join a team of acupuncturists who will train medical providers in Africa how to use simple and effective acupuncture techniques to treat the devastating and debilitating symptoms associated with these illnesses. Acupuncture has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to be effective in the treatment of many health disorders, and scientific research studies have shown that acupuncture significantly reduces many types of both acute and chronic pain.

Since March 2003, the PanAfrican Acupuncture Project has trained 200 health providers in 12 Ugandan Districts and in Kenya. These trainings have resulted in relief for thousands of patients with two-thirds of them reporting either significant relief or complete resolution of their symptoms. The effects of this project are far reaching because our role as acupuncturists is not to provide direct treatment, but to train health care providers in Africa who will in turn proceed to treat hundreds. It is estimated that every provider trained can treat between 416 and 572 patients per year. At the present time, this translates to providing acupuncture to between 68,000 and 94,000 individuals.

I am asking for your help in raising $5,500 to sponsor my trip in February to train more health care providers in these highly effective acupuncture techniques. The organization is an independent 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax-deductible. Any excess monies raised beyond this amount will go towards providing necessary supplies and expansion of the project into other areas.

I will need to raise these funds by February 28th. I know that these are challenging economic times, but it is also uplifting to know that we can make a tangible and important contribution to those who are very much in need of our help.

You can mail contributions by check made out to: The Pan-African Acupuncture Project at:

The PanAfrican Acupuncture Project                                                                                113 Summit Avenue                                                                                                      Brookline, MA 02446-2319

561 Nfld Dr
St John’s, Nl
a1a 5a2
 
or at the clinic:
 
Mount Pearl Wellness
835 Topsail Rd
Mount Pearl ,NL
709 364 7110

(If donating by cheque, please write my name, Valerie Genge, in the memo section at the bottom to ensure this money assists in paying specifically for my trip).

 Or you can make a secure credit card payment online indicating that you are donating on my behalf at:

http://www.panafricanacupuncture.org

I am very grateful for your support and appreciate your generosity in donating whatever you feel that you can part with at this time. I will be taking many pictures to share with you so that you can see the direct impact that you had in helping countless unknown people on the other side of the globe who are able to experience physical, mental, and emotional relief because of the help and support that you so selflessly gave.

In heartfelt gratitude,

Valerie Genge, D.Ac, R.Ac

You can follow her story on the FACEBOOK group entitled,  Pan African Acupuncture Project. Become a supporter or request additional information.

I admire those who take on challenges and aspire to help others. The importance of volunteerism and charity work is needed, internationally and close to home.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact a local non-profit in your area today! You can make a world of a difference just by sharing some of your time with others.

Live Rural NL – Christopher Mitchelmore