On a visit to South Africa in 1992, Karen Kendall from Sydney realised she wanted to do something to help those less fortunate than herself. She just didn't know what, exactly.

Today, over 20 years later, after achieving an associate degree in law, a bachelors degree in legal and justice, opening and operating a successful conveyancing business in Dubai, and adopting her gorgeous daughter, Ruby, two years ago from Ethiopia, Karen's desire has finally found a direction and her dream has become a reality.

Karen has set up home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the midst of one of the largest orphan populations in the world - almost six million. Karen is now the Executive Officer and Administrator of the newly established child care centre, Shamida Children's Home in Addis Ababa. Karen and her team, which includes her 72-year old mother, cater to the needs of up to fifty orphan children at any one time, as well as reaching out to the surrounding community by offering basic schooling and occasional meals to the local children as they are able.

The establishment of Shamida was funded by Karen, her business partner Leanne who lives in Tasmania and by the generous donations of Karen's supporters, who have witnessed her passion for helping orphaned and abandoned children.

We hope that you too will become a supporter and help Karen and her team provide for the kids at Shamida.

We thank you for your support.