We employ many people in the Dominican Republic to do construction work and more but the person who does the most work of all and who has made the very most difference is not employed.  She is a volunteer!  Though she has received help from individuals from time to time, she has never accepted a penny of wages.  

Every year in December, it is Dominican law that every employee receives double wages.  We have happily fulfilled that requirement from funds raised from our auction.  I (Louise) was speaking with Amarilis about it yesterday.  I joked with her that we were going to give her double pay as well  2 x 0 = 0.  We both laughed.  Then I thought, why not raise some bonus money for her?  She borrowed a lot when her daughter Sheyla's house was built this year and the government required so much extra than we had raised because of the area it was located etc.  

From the very first day we met on February 23, 2011, she has given hundreds of hours of her time every single month as our director there.  We would never be where we are today without her.  

She has also given so much of her own wages from working with ILP and teaching math at nights.  The wages are small but her heart is very big.  She has a passion for helping the elderly and the young and everyone in between!!  

Amarilis has many health challenges.  Her family and friends would like her to be able to quit her evening job of teaching 300 adults math in the school.  She won't accept income from us and goes to work sick many times.  

From working with the construction team, handing out food packs, managing all the funds and so much more, her service is invaluable!!  For many years before we got our distribution center (which she personally purchased the land for) her home was literally overflowing with donation items.  

During Covid in 2022, she organized the distribution of $250,000 worth of food packs donated through Dominican Starfish Foundation (Canada and USA) to individuals and communities. 

Day after day there were huge line-ups of people outside her home waiting for food.  

We could go on and on about Amarilis and her amazing qualities and service.  

Bottom line is that we would like to surprise her with a Christmas bonus she could only dream of.  Amarilis, the excellent math teacher know more than anyone that 2 X 0 =0 and doesn't expect anything in return for all she does!!

We know that there are hundreds out there who have touched her life and we want to give back and bless her.  

If you could help in any way with this Christmas bonus, we would invite you to participate.  Please keep it quiet.  We don't want it to get back to her until Christmas day!  Of course, this donation will qualify for charitable tax receipts.  

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT!!