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Kenyan AIDS Orphans
The Obara Family
Since 2005, Runnymede United Church has been connected with the Obara family in Nairobi, Kenya. Leonora and Andrew Obara have raised fifteen children—five born to them and 10 adopted children whose parents died of AIDS. Fourteen of the children are now educated and contributing to their communities. The youngest, Lauryne (pictured), will graduate from Electrical Engineering at the end of the year.
In 2011, Leonora and Andrew leveraged their parenting experience and professional skills to start Kijiji Cha Upendo (Village of Love in Swahili). Kijiji helps women who have taken in orphaned and vulnerable children—giving these children the education and health support they need to succeed.
Read the latest on the Obara family!
Celebration Gift — to October 15
As the year closes and Lauryne graduates, our support for education of Obara children will end. Funds also helped Leonora and Andrews provide a stable home for their family. As funding ends, we would like to give Andrew and Leonora a Celebration Gift to recognize their devotion to caring for children. The gift will provide a capital boost as Leonora develops small businesses to supplement their modest incomes.
You can give a one-time donation up to October 15 by cash, cheque or Interac e-transfer to treasurer@runnymedeunited.org, clearly marked “Obara Gift.” You can also donate by credit card using the RUC Tithe.ly page. Celebration Gift donations will only go to Leonora and Andrew and are not eligible for tax receipts.
Connections and Success
While support for the Obara family is coming to a close, our work alongside the Obaras continues and grows! Today, the Kijiji Cha Upendo program in the informal settlement of Kibera, outside Nairobi, helps 135 mothers raise more than 600 children in loving homes. Funding helps families with education support, economic empowerment, health and nutrition support, and more.
Village of Love Canada is the Canadian group (mostly made up of Runnymede folk!) that channels funding to Kijiji Cha Upendo. Starting in January 2026, we ask you to transition your support to “Village of Love (Kenya Program)” through the regular church channels. The Obaras and the Kenyan children appreciate your continued loving support.