The Morgan Jayne Project will have a special volunteer at this year’s Red Eye Memorial slow pitch tournament.
Valerie Nelson, the woman who operates Familias Saludables in Roatan and administers the Morgan Jayne Project on the ground will be at the tournament.
“I am very excited and we want to make sure she meets as many people as she can,” said Fred Makowecki, founder of the Morgan Jayne Project. “You have to understand we (in Drumheller) have done so much to help the people of Roatan, she wants to be able to talk and thank as many people as she can.”
The Morgan Jayne Project turned five this summer. In that time, it has contributed to allowing children to live in the poverty-stricken country, by minimizing the spread of AIDS from mother to child through breast milk.
“Last year there was zero mother-child transmission, that was us. There were other people involved but 90 per cent of it was this community saving those kids…we should be proud of it.”
Nelson will be at the tournament on Saturday and possibly Sunday. Makowecki said they are also planning a presentation from Nelson on Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the new Elim Pentecostal Church in the former Central School. She is also planning presentations for the Rotary Club and students at St. Anthony’s School.
Despite the efforts of the community however, Makowecki says the global economic situation is making it tough on the program.
“Last month her family went without power so there was formula in the shelter for the babies,” said Makowecki. “You pat yourself on the shoulders and dust yourself off and think you are all done, but it never ends.”
He said the BACtoBAC program has helped the program with a steady stream of income, and Drumheller residents remain committed.
This year’s Red Eye Memorial Tournament is on the weekend of September 9-11. This tournament splits the funds raised between the Morgan Jayne Project and the Chris Bolin Memorial Fund.
Makowecki said they are still looking for volunteers for the event to staff the concession at the tournament. He says to stop by Image Crafters to volunteer. He also has posted a schedule on his Facebook page.
