John X Foundation Report | In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Laying down the marker and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate has been the goal of the foundation since its inception almost two decades ago. And while the journey has been a rewarding one, the challenge lies in the sustainability of each project.

As we enter the next phase at the Carlisle Bridge Country School and the sustainability thereof we are faced with challenges many have faced before. It is one thing to give a man a fish, as you will feed him for a day, while it’s an entirely different thing to teach a man to fish, as you will feed him for a lifetime.

This year, through the continued support of our hunters we have been able to once again meet the school lunches and stationary requirements to keep the school going on a weekly basis. Books were a major issue this year as we neared the end of the first term without a single book being issued by the State. It took one call to you the hunter and books arrived within days. The expansion of classes into the Randy Smith Hall meant that the electricity requirements changed with more students and teachers gaining access to technology. We were fortunate to see a further two teachers join the staff contingency which meant the need for more accommodation facilities arising. With your help we were able to aid their call and facilitate the process to provide more housing and electricity.

The well we drilled four years ago at the time was a marginal one with a slow, but steady water supply. With the expansion of the school we were forced to look further as to secure stronger water. Through your support we were able to make use of one of our wells on Woodlands by laying an extended pipeline and installing a new solar pump to get stronger water to the school. Today we have not only met the sanitary requirements, but have a sufficient supply to see the school start their own vegetable gardens.

As you enter the school in the new year you will notice the new trees planted all around the school grounds. It’s a symbol of prosperity, hope and growth. As those young saplings are nurtured into large trees so too will we sustain the schools requirements year in and year out. These developments are just a few of the projects which you have made possible through the continued support of the foundation. With you we will continue on with our quest to make a difference today for a brighter tomorrow.

Thanksgiving with Chef Pascal

A highlight of our year at the foundation was an early Thanksgiving celebration with Chef Pascal and the kids from Carlisle Bridge Country School. After having enjoyed a week of cooking and hunting we thought it fitting to see our beloved Chef treat the scholars to a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Having hunted a beautiful Nyala he then headed down to Carlisle Bridge the following day to prepare the meal on site with the local cooks at the school.

It would undoubtedly be the first of its kind. A Michelin Star Chef cooking in rural South Africa for a country school. What a joyous occasion it proved to be and the culmination of our year as we celebrate the many blessing in our lives.

Contact us today for more information on our Foundation and feel free to mail Carl directly on johnxsafarishunts@gmail.com with your specific questions.

For current updates about John X Safaris; follow us on Instagram connect with us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit our Website.