A Dream Come True for a Young Salesian Volunteer ... and a Special Opportunity for You!

Julien (center of photo) with students from Tuloy and Salesian Father Rocky.

Julien Levy was so moved by his experience as a volunteer at the Salesian Tuloy Foundation Orphanage in Manila, Philippines, he set out to raise $150,000 to utilize a vacant dormitory so it could be a home for 30 street children.

His parents were so impressed with Julien's enthusiasm and devotion, they promised to match whatever he could raise - dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. This made Julien's dream to raise $150,000 much more realistic. 

We hope you will take a moment to read Julien's inspiring story below and help make his dream come true.

Dear Friends of Salesian Missions,

I spent last summer volunteering at the Salesian Tuloy Foundation Orphanage in Manila, Philippines. Tuloy is no ordinary orphanage. Rather it specializes in the most difficult cases, street children, most of whom have been addicted to drugs, members of gangs, and victims of sexual violence.

What separates Tuloy from other orphanages is its program which focuses on practical vocational skills in addition to standard education that will allow the children to support themselves as adults. In addition, Tuloy teaches them good work ethics and morals to help them in their daily lives.

During my time at Tuloy, I worked as a computer skills teacher and teacher's assistant while staying in one of the ten dorms with the children. I played soccer and basketball with the kids, sang in the choir, and participated in community service. Needless to say, I got to experience all the different aspects of life in Tuloy. It is a truly magical place that is giving a future to thousands of children who have known only poverty, homelessness, drugs, and abuse.

Tuloy has received a number of grants and gifts to build dormitories, but it lacks the funding to operate all of these dormitories. At present, three new dormitories remain empty, gathering dust, for lack of operational funding. This means that 90 children, 30 per dormitory, are left on the street, having to fend for themselves, joining gangs and doing drugs.

My goal is to raise enough money to fill one Tuloy dorm with children. It takes only $150,000 to support a full dormitory for the next five years, including all school expenses ($1,000 per year for each child).

Thankfully, my parents have agreed to match any donations dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. With their generous help and yours, I know we can make this happen.

I hope and pray you will take advantage of this opportunity to match your donation for poor street kids.http://www.salesianmissions.org/ways-to-help/donate

Thank you so much for your consideration,

Julien Levy