Pat Berg seeking help for an entire village

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Tis the season for giving!
As shoppers went mad on “Black Friday” last week, one person in Rainy River was no where near retail stores, but yet had ambitious gift giving ideas.
Pat Berg of Rainy River is hoping to give about $1,200 in gifts, but not the gifts bought at a store. Berg has been a sponsor of children in third world countries for more than 25 years. “I have three kids now that I sponsor at $35 each per month,” explained Berg. She gets regular correspondence from them, photos and letters about how their lives have improved thanks to Pat’s sponsorship.
Now Berg has decided to take sponsorship to a new level. Rather than buying a bunch of gifts she is hoping to do a “Group Gift” which is a stable of animals. The World Vision promotional material for this gift says, “Help fill a stable with animals so a whole village can thrive. It is an ideal group gift for friends, family or co-workers.” Berg is spearheading the effort and is hoping that other people in the community will be willing to help her achieve the $1,200 necessary to “Fill a Stable.” “ I just didn’t see the sense in buying gifts when I could do this and make a difference for people who need it,” said Berg.
The stable includes a milk-producing goat and cow, sheep, chickens, ducks, piglets to breed for protein and income and a donkey to haul heavy loads.
Berg is not asking people to cover the whole cost with big donations but rather help in any way they can. “Even small donations of $5 help out!” she said.
At first she was thinking of sponsoring one animal, but then decided to try for the entire stable. “I have sponsored kids for years, but this is my first time doing a whole village!”
Berg said that her experience with World Vision has been heartwarming over the decades. “I have watched many kids grow up.” She loves getting pictures and letters from them and when they have reached adulthood she adopted new ones.
She is hoping to have the $1,200 raised by mid-December. Anyone wishing to help her can call her at home 852-3905 after 6 p.m. or speak to her on the street.
“We have so much. Can we not afford to give a little back? What a wonderful gift for Christmas this will be!” she concluded.