Friday, January 04, 2008

Introducing Swatchy Doc

New Year? New Swatchy!

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This is Swatchy Doc, reporting for duty. I made him for a very important assignment.

My own doctor, Dr. G. (no, not that Dr. G) founded an HIV/AIDS program in Botswana a few years ago. With support from his university and pharmaceutical companies, the project has grown to a full-time presence, training for residents, and improved care throughout the area. A few months ago, I was chatting with him about it, and he told me that they work with an orphanage where 85% of the children are AIDS orphans. Because of the improved access to drugs, only 15% of those children are HIV positive themselves, but they've lost their primary caregivers to AIDS. I asked him if the children needed anything, and offered to knit something.

My friends over on Ravelry came through, and we put together a donation of blankets, socks and toys for the children. Swatchy Doc came with me to my most recent doctor's appointment to deliver the gifts.

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Dr. G. was so happy and surprised! He will be carrying the gifts to Botswana in a few weeks.

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Swatchy Doc will be riding along. Dr. G. promised to send me a few pictures of Swatchy Doc with the children and others. I'm hoping he can become a new mascot for the project. And we will be collecting knitted items again for donation, so email us if you are interested in donating!

3 comments:

noricum said...

Welcome to the family, Swatchy Doc! :)

magnusmog said...

What a great idea - I'm sure Swatchy Doc will be a hit with the Botswana kids. Where will he be going? Gabarone?

My lovely stepson Stephen was in Botswana for a year or so and he loves the place - I'll be sure to show him the Doc!

Devon said...

Welcome Swatchy Doc!

(Oooo.... a doctor?? Is he single??)

~Swatchy Prep