Massive thanks; Huge Loss!

Guys and gals,

it is with regret that i have to inform you that our media officer, Chantal Denham, has resigned from the Paddle4Relief Team. Chantal has gone to follow her dreams.

Chantal was only with us for a short time but managed to make a huge impact in raising awareness and funds for this small Devon based charity. She has a gift that draws in people; informative and compelling; magnetising and electric; an extremely valuable individual.

Chantal’s energy, motivation, enthusiasm and fun loving outlook on life, combined with her excellent communication skills inspired the children in Sri Lanka  immensely. As i have said in previous blogs; the children of Arugam Bay miss her dearly. It was heart tearing, and an enormous emotional burden to keep trying to explain to them that Chantal had returned to the UK. In spite of my explainations they continued to ask every day ‘Chantal coming?’ Not just one child, but many! It was like a stack of dominoes falling as i walked through the village, coming across child after child.

Chantal went out to Arugam Bay in September 2008. The first member of the team to join me in one of many aid trips i have taken to this tropical island over the past four years. Chantal focused her energies on teaching at the Montessori School that P4R renovated and extended in 2006. She had the vision to make improvements in the facilities and teaching methods, and increased the number of activity sessions with the young local children; so improving social interaction and development.

I, and the rest of the P4R Team, wish Chantal the very best for the future. I am sure she will achieve her dreams in completing her TEFL course, and working abroad with children.

Thank you Chantal. You will be sorely missed. Be safe in all you do. Enjoy lifes rich tapestry and hopefully we will be blessed with your presence in the future.

Suba Dawasak

Timothy

1 comment January 13th, 2009