Project Puff

Have we mentioned that it gets really cold in Ladakh during the winter?  Well, Julianne Fleischmann was paying attention.  She heard about how bone chillingly cold it can get high on the Tibetan plateau, and how little many of the families have, and so took it upon herself to launch what we are calling "Project Puff".  A women who tends to feel the chill of north winds during winter herself, Julianne launched the campaign to collect donations of down jackets for the most needy children attending Lamdon School.  She had overwhelming success.  Close to two dozen people have helped in one way or another, and we thank them sincerely. 

The plan was to collect donations of old down jackets that were no longer being warn, fill a duffle bag or two, and send them with volunteers heading to Ladakh.  What a response she received.  Julianne not only received enough warm, quality jackets to completely stuff two massive duffle bags, but she has many more waiting to come with future volunteers, or people simply traveling to the region.  In some cases, people who didn't have jackets, but still wished to support, gave cash donations to help with any additional transportation costs, or to purchase jackets locally.  Some even went as far as to scour stores for end of winter sales, and found some smokin' deals on excellent new winter jackets. 

They will be give to Eshey Tundup, the principal of Lamdon School.  He has a very good grasp of who the neediest children are, and distribute the jackets this autumn before the long, cold, harsh winter sets in once again.  Any jackets that did not make the cut because they were not warm enough, or too large were donated to local charities in the Wenatchee area such as Haven of Hope so they can be fully utilized and appreciated. 

Thank you all who helped for your generosity.  Also, thank you to Spicejet and Delta airlines for waiving the excess luggage fee, and Alison Holzmacher for providing a discounted airline ticket for our volunteer to go to India.  We completely appreciate those who are digging a little deeper during this economic slump to help those in greater need than themselves.