A former Chemainus resident is involved in a fundraiser to provide valuable facilities in an African nation.
“In a community sensitive to the arts, I think this print auction will be of interest to Courier readers,” noted Shelagh Armour-Godbolt, a volunteer for the Shiloh Place Orphanage Society.
”And I know that education, as a potential route out of poverty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - and many places in Africa - is an issue that interests many on Vancouver Island.”
Vancouver wildlife artist Denis Mayer Jr. has selected a numbered, framed print of his picture, Mother’s Love, to donate to the small volunteer group to aid in fundraising to build two elementary school classrooms and a hygiene block in a very low-income neighbourhood of Lubumbashi, DRC.
According to Armour-Godbolt, the donated print will be auctioned through mail-in and e-mail bids – in time for Christmas giving – by the Shiloh Place Orphanage Society, www.shilohplace.com.
“Dennis Mayer Jr. is widely known for his wild bird and animal paintings,” added SPO founder Chantal Kasongo of Coquitlam. “He has been Artist of the Year for the B.C. Wildlife Federation and for Ducks Unlimited. He was approached by the Royal Canadian Mint to design for their collectible coin series. We are very grateful that he has chosen to support our efforts to provide tuition and uniform–free classrooms for this very poor neighbourhood.”
Originally from the DRC, Kasongo has spearheaded other community initiatives on the orphanage land she bought in 2010, including a community well and a community centre/chapel.
Mother’s Love - a lioness and her cubs - is valued at $350. The SPO Society will accept written and emailed bids with name, address, phone number and email address for the framed, numbered print until 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 at #211 -615 North Rd. Coquitlam, B.C. V3J 1P1 or siloplace@gmail.com. The framed, approximately 29” x 39” print can be delivered to the successful bidder. Should the winning bidder live - or wish their painting delivered - outside the Lower Mainland, shipping can be arranged at the buyer’s expense.
The successful bidder will be notified by Dec. 12 so timely delivery arrangements can be made.
For information about SPO’s classroom project, contact Armour-Godbolt by email at shelaghag@shaw.ca or 604-415-9397.