Hi! My name is Lia Hart and I am planning to participate in the Vancouver Triathlon which happens around Stanley Park Sept. 1, 2014 in order to raise funds for the Irente Orphanage and Blind school in the mountainous district of Lushoto, Tanzania.

In 2007 I was fortunate enough to visit Irente with an NGO Nourish International. We were sung to, shown around, and I helped to prepare a meal. At the end of our visit I realized we can do more. The staff at the orphanage believe in what they are doing, and were providing a caring place for these children to grow up in.

In a visit to a home with with Nourish member (who would later become my husband) Bona Mwapule, we encountered HIV+ orphans taken in by other community members. They wanted help and all I could do was cry. Years later, I think there is something I can do. Compete in athletic events for social causes. Medical issues like HIV/AIDS are part of the reason parents may be unable to care for their children.

My goal is to raise $1,000 Canadian dollars, although the Orphanage wants 58,000,000 TZ shillings (roughly $32, 000). I have been in touch with an NGO who supports the Orphanage and Blind school and a representative tells me they are needing support to build a new home, with beds.

Please track my progress as I prepare for this Olympic distance event!