Good Friday, March 29: Y Open 5:30 AM-3:30 PM  |  Easter Sunday, March 31: Y Closed

New Canaan YMCA

West Elementary School Raises over $6,000 at Walk-a-Thon to Benefit Facing the Future (FAFU)

West Elementary School Raises over $6,000 at Walk-a-Thon to Benefit Facing the Future (FAFU)

West Elementary School’s fourth grade class hosted its fourth annual Walk-a-Thon event for Facing the Future Child Development Learning Center (FAFU) in Kibera, Kenya, a partner of the New Canaan YMCA. This year’s Walk-a-Thon raised a record $6,100 for FAFU, which will fund new toilets, shelves, and new tables for the Learning Center.

The New Canaan YMCA maintains a 12-year partnership with FAFU, which serves over 300 needy children in Africa’s largest slum of Kibera. FAFU has been described as an oasis for the children of Kibera, providing a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive. Serving ages 18 months through 14 years, FAFU is committed to providing education, care, and hope to the neediest children of Kibera. While at school children are fed two meals each day, which is often their only food and water source. Medical attention is a unique benefit available at FAFU and each year, the vast majority of FAFU eighth graders pass the national high school entrance exam with impressive marks.

Craig Panzano, Executive Director, stated, “We’re so proud of our relationship with Facing the Future and are incredibly grateful to the West Elementary School fourth grade for their partnership over the years and generous support.”

Among the Y’s partnership with Facing the Future, there are other ways to provide financial assistance, including the Y’s fourth grade sponsorship program. For less than one dollar per day, the sponsorship assists one fourth grade student from FAFU to not only create a lasting bond, but to also provide meals, clothing, medical assistance, education, and school supplies for one year.

For more information about Facing the Future, the opportunity to sponsor a child, or the West School Walk-A-Thon, please contact Nicki Jezairian at 203-920-1657, [email protected].