It is now 12 years that Heppenheim supports Casa do Caminho 12 years

 It was great to have the honour to represent Casa do Caminho in Heppenheim. It is really amazing to see what happens on the other side of the planet. I always thought that it was Hans alone who did the fundraising for Casa do Caminho but found out this time how the entire family works hard to raise each and every euro. It is the second time I visit the family in Heppenheim and this time I stayed over night. When I arrive Hans is awaiting me. He is excited and nervous since a Christmas market is running where he supposed to be while at the same time we have to do a presentation for the loyal sponsors. So half the family stands at the Christmas market selling products for Casa do Caminho. Hans, Doris (his daughther) are awaiting me to a small community building where 50 sponsors come together to see a Casa do Caminho presentation. Giving a presentation in Germany is different than in Brazil. People listen carefully but don’t show any emotions and place critical notes. So I didn’t know until after showing 2 movies of Casa do Caminho when people started to ask a lot of questions. Everybody wanted to know what happens with the children, how they are taken care off, if we still see the former residents etc. At the end of the presentation everybody seamed very happy with the results and still bought some Christmas cards, calendars or gave Hans a few euros. It was clear to me that these people where no millionaires just normal German Citizens that have supported Casa do Caminho over the 12 years. In these years their support was the main source of income for Casa do Caminho.

After the presentation we went over to the Christmas market which runs the entire weekend. The entire family takes turns at the stand and Hans uses his hurdy-gurdy. Hans went through a serious operation. His spine is now bolted together. He can’t bent over anymore. Well it is just impressive to see that this man of nearly 80 years old man stands from the morning till the evening in the cold with a big smile on each possible event to raise a few euros. He tells me  "for me all the people who work at Casa do Caminho are angels". I think that he deserves more respect than the work we are allowed to do in Casa do Caminho. We can play with the children, see them grow, see them leave and build up a relationship with them. The Ebenhard family spend a lot of time dedicating their time in raising funds, trusting us the Casa do Caminho staff to the best we can. The family is not always appreciated and some people take a big bow trying to ignore Hans to prevent to spend 1 euro. But this doesn’t bother the family anymore. They are used to it.

In name of Casa do Caminho, the children, teenagers, staff and volunteers we want to thank the Ebenhard family and the people of Heppenheim for their incredible generosity and dedication for so long!!!!!!

Bart