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>>> June 2010
No Parts in the C.A.R.
It's a long drive to the truck parts store from the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). No NAPA, Auto Zone or dealerships to go to for the parts you need to keep a fleet of 35 trucks running. Vehicles are the backbone all of ICDI programs, not the least of which is the well drilling and maintenance program. This week ICDI Founder Jim Hocking and Supply Chain Logistics Coordinator Jon Allen are in Dubai, UAE to shop the worlds biggest garage sale for new and used truck parts and supplies. 
Truly everything needed to keep the water well and community development work functioning has to be purchased and shipped from someplace else. Though this does contribute significantly to the cost of doing business in the C.A.R., it also increases the quality and longevity of the work done - using the right tools and equipment pays off in the long run.
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Ship Those Trucks - Update In our May e-news we updated you on our two long lost, stolen by rebel soldiers trucks. The silver lining was that our friends at Hanover Pavers stepped up and purchased six high quality used big rigs to replace those lost. All six are now in the skilled hands of the mechanics and fabricators at the Hanover, PA plant being outfitted for their new service in CAR. Owners John & Chris Repasky are footing the outfitting bill and asking the rest of the ICDI supporting family to pitch in for the shipping. Significant funds are still needed ($87,000 as of this newsletter), with two trucks being prepped to ship out asap.
Designate your gifts to ”Ship Those Trucks”. Your support can be sent by mail to ICDI, PO Box 247, Winona Lake IN 46590 or online at www.icdinternational.org
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School's Out! And the Kids Are Busy!
Just like in your community, schools let out in the summer in the C.A.R. as well. Summer's an important time of helping the family in the garden, but also some fun stuff too. At the ICDI Mercy Care Center the orphan children are busy filling in their summer break with productive times of learning. There is sewing and tailoring for both boys and girls and the wood shop for some of the boys. 
They've already turned out some great projects, check out the nice armchairs and coffee tables they've made.
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Welcome Aboard!
As the work of ICDI continues to grow, so does our staff. After years of making his own copies and filling his own stapler, Jim's finally gotten his own full-time administrative assistant. Sue Roman comes to ICDI with years of experience as a professional office executive assistant. I addition, Sue is fluent in French, a very important asset when working for an organization that specializes in French speaking Africa. So next time you call or write in, you'll probably get a chance to talk with Sue. Please give her a big ICDI welcome! Sue can be reached directly at sroman@icdinternational.org
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Last month we introduced you to our new monthly news line From the Soil: Grassroots Efforts that Change Lives in Africa. ICDI continues to be blessed with creative and energetic supporters - normal everyday people who want to be involved with ICDI's efforts in ways we hadn't even considered. We love it!
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This months effort comes to us from Taylor University students Sam Hall and Josh White. Sam offered to produce radio PSA's (public service announcements) for ICDI as a part of a school project. Sam enlisted Josh, a Taylor senior, for his voice talent - something that Josh has recently been doing semi-professionally. We had no idea the guys were working on this for us and we were totally blown away by this effort - professional work of this type can be very expensive for non-profit organizations. The quality is awesome! Not sure what grade Sam got from his professor, but he gets an A+ from us! Keep your ears tuned...you just might hear us on your favorite radio station. You can listen to the three PSA's here, here, and here. |
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