Chitimba Beach Carving Shop Fire Reconstruction

In 2010 I was part of a cross-continental bicycle ride across Africa.  One stop along the route was Chitimba Beach, Malawi.  There I met Kitizo Kambalame Mbewe.  He is a father, and a wood carver, running a carving business near the beach.  Kizito and I have kept in contact for the past decade.  In 2017 I financially assisted him in completing construction of his family's home, where three generations of the family now live. 

Several month ago the wood carving shop burned and a large portion of his inventory of carvings were lost.  Once again I would like to assist Kizito and his family by helping rebuild his woodcarving shop, his store front, and help pay for lost income from damaged artwork that can no longer be sold.  According to Kizito the funds needed to get back up and running are as follows:

Shops Reconstruction = 277,000 Kwacha, or $396 USD

Craft Damage Recovery = 206,000 Kwacha, or $294 USD

Grand total in USD = $690  

My wish would be to have the funds need to get Kizito and his family's business back up and running by the end of October. 

Cycling around the world has had the most profound impact on my life...beyond words really...and part of that impact is having the once in a lifetime chance of meeting unique people along the way.  You never know where those relationships will lead, and in the case of Kizito it has meant a lasting friendship that spans continents.  And I am a better person for having met him.

If you have every been through Chitimba Beach as part of TDA, met Kizito, and perhaps even purchased some of his art as I did some 10 years ago, I would humbly and kindly ask for your consideration in helping support my effort in helping him rebuild his shop, his store and his livelihood.   If you have never been to Africa but w ould like to help out a fellow artist and help me with this project I would be grateful as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Peace.