My wife and I enjoy going on the One Love pub crawl every chance we get. On a pub crawl trip a couple of years ago I asked Lenbert what we could bring to help the children and give something back to the town we love so much. Lenbert's reply surprised me at first but the more we discussed it the more it made sense. He said "musical instruments". He and I both know that children that have an interest in music are more focused and typically do better in school. So on our last trip we ended up taking 50+ musical instruments. Many of the instruments were simple rhythm instruments such as tambourines, maracas, recorders, harmonicas, etc. We were even able to include one fiddle. The instruments were not given to the kids during the pub crawl, but were given to Lenbert to let the children use when he takes them to the beach on Saturdays. The video he recorded of the kids playing the instruments was a beautiful cacophony of noise!
Here is where I need the Boardies help. When we return in November we would like to take higher quality instruments. If you could, look in your attics, closets, under beds to see if you have instruments in good usable condition you would be willing to donate to the kids of Negril. If you do have instruments you could either take them with you and give them to Lenbert, or ship them to me and I will make sure they get there. If the instruments are shipped to me, I would be happy to reimburse you for shipping costs. Last time I had several offers of guitars but had no idea how I could get 10 guitars to Jamaica without major expense. I would like to have smaller instruments that can be packed into suitcases such as flutes, trumpets, woodwind instruments, etc. Space is a limitation, but I am happy to pay the extra baggage fees for a couple extra suitcases if we have enough instruments.
Someone suggested a gofundme account for this project, but I feel like that is overused and should be used for more important issues.
I know many of the Boardies are getting prepared for their April reach and it is the perfect time to look for any instruments you may have that you are willing to donate. If you have instruments that you are willing to ship to me, please PM me and I will send you my mailing address.
We are also VERY open to other suggestions about getting musical instruments to these children.
Thank you and Jah bless!
Greg and Kelly
