A Midhurst family has returned from Uganda where they helped build a classroom in four days for orphans.
Alison Proctor, her husband Neil and two children, eight-year-old Bethany and Adam, six, decided to take part in Challenge Watoto after listening to the Watoto Children's Choir at Midhurst primary school in January.
They were part of a 30-strong g
roup of people from the 3 Counties Church based in Haslemere who had seen and heard the Watoto choir perform and wanted to help.
"I can tell my children they are lucky to have three meals a day and a bed," said Alison.
"But unless they meet someone who hasn't always had that, they can't understand.
"When the choir visited, we were touched by their joy and love for God and thought it would be wonderful to do something with the children, especially as parents ourselves.
"Also, being part of a core group made us less vulnerable."
Armed with building materials bought with some £20,000 of funds raised for the Watoto project in the area over the last 18 months, the group set about its work.
"Every morning the builders and the Haslemere team sang to each other," said Alison.
"And at the end of the project they played a game of football together."
The Haslemere children prayed for the next Watoto Children's Choir, about to tour the world, at Kampala Pentecostal Church and Alison gave out footballs from the 3 Counties Church boys' football club.
The Proctor family also visited the Bulrushes Baby Orphanage.
"We cuddled the gorgeous babies, yes, but it was important we were of help to them," said Alison. "I was pleased to be able to feed them bottles of milk."
They showed some of the Watoto children a scrap album which Midhurst Primary School children had compiled showing fundraising events and the choir's January visit. School governor Alison added: "As a Church of England school it would be a great example for us to sponsor a Watoto child.
"A teacher has already done so, and several people in Midhurst have chosen Watoto as their nominated charity.
"The choir has made quite an impact in the town – hopefully the ripple effect will continue."
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