Jeni and Jan, members of the church, have set themselves a goal to raise money to help their church send orphanage children to Camp Sonshine, a camp hosted by the church itself, where children can enjoy their summer days. As part of their fundraiser, the friends will be running the Belfast relay marathon this weekend, 4 May. With the 50 spots already allocated for children in this fundraiser, Jeni and Jan will continue fundraising activities until the start of camp, at the beginning of July, through other activities.

Camp Sonshine is a popular summer camp in the Algarve which many children attend during their summer holidays. They open their doors every July for four weeks, with the assistance of recruited volunteers, providing all camping gear, activities, transportation and food for the campers.

Every summer, the church takes some of its own funds to pay for orphanage children’s access to Camp Sonshine. Although the church is able to send children to camp, they arrive without much more than a carrier bag with a few changes of clothes. Upon hearing about this, Jeni and Jan decided to help their church by fundraising €10,000 so they can send 50 orphanage children to Camp Sonshine this summer. Entrance to the camp is €160, and Jeni and Jan have allocated €200 per child, so they can provide not only the entrance but also any extra equipment the children may be missing – such as pillows, pyjamas or a piece of clothing, and a backpack for their belongings.

Donations can be made through Jeni and Jan’s Just Giving page, Jeni and Jan’s Charity Fundraiser (for anyone with a UK bank account), or via bank transfer directly to Camp Sonshine’s account (IBAN: PT50003300004546126334705) with the details “Jeni and Jen” or “Belfast Marathon” so the money is accurately placed.