The St. Nicholas Project worked in collaboration with the DeGoesbriand Council Knights of Columbus in Burlington, Vermont in the spring of 2018 to collect new and used sporting equipment for the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children. On April 27, 2019 at the Knights of Columbus State Convention held in Essex Jct, VT, the DeGoesbriand Council #270 won the Family Award. Below is an excerpt from the presentation made by Mr. William Lacroix, District Deputy :
"This year the winner of the Family category took some direction from its Chaplain, Fr. Lance W. Harlow, founder of the St. Nicholas Project, who pointed out a need for the boys and girls at the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, VT. Kurn Hattin is a home for children from troubled, at risk and displaced families. It shows compassion and love to these children and all are considered a "family." There are no orphanages in Vermont, but Kurn Hattin is similar to one [in that it is a non-profit residential care facility for boys and girls ages 5-15] 98% funded by donations." Their need was for some sporting goods....A lot of these children just don't get [at their own homes] any of these basic items that many kids get, such as: jump ropes, balls, racquets, bats, gloves, cleats, etc.
The Council eagerly took charge and set up several weekends for a sporting goods drive. Equipment was collected at 5 local churches as well as 3 others throughout Chittenden county. When the drive was over the items were placed at a value approximating $10,000. There were so many items, the Council had to rent a cargo van for Fr. Harlow to deliver them!!"
The award was presented to the Grand Knight of DeGoesbriand Council #279, Mr. David Ely.
It was amazing to get recognized at the state level for the work we did obtaining the sports equipment for the boys and girls at Kurn Hattin. I remember very well the day I drove 2.5 hours in the rain with that van. When I arrived the kids thought it was like Christmas day in May! I am very grateful to my brother Knights in the DeGoesbriand Council who made contacts around the County in search of sporting goods.
Doing charitable works can be fun! This award gives me a new surge of enthusiasm to persevere in connecting the Catholic community in Vermont with the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children with financial and material donations. You can do it, too! I would love for all of you to donate some new or used sports equipment to the Homes. That old soccer ball sitting in the corner of the garage that nobody uses anymore can bring a lot of joy. Or, if you want to make a financial donation for the purchase of brand new equipment, please visit the Kurn Hattin website at: www.kurnhattin.org