R

otary Club Benoa has raised funds to benefit orphans at Bali Kids Foundation through an annual Rotary Tennis Tournament held from May 22 through May 29 at Canggu Club and Melia Bali Hotel in Nusa Dua.

During the award ceremony early this week, Wanda Latif, president of Rotary Club Benoa, handed over Rp 35 million (US$3,700) to Brenton Whittaker, program director of Bali Kids Foundation.

Bali Kids was established in April 2005 to provide health education and medical treatment to poor children. More than 6,000 children currently have access to the foundation’s services.

Bali Kids is secular and supports all children to embrace the faith of their choosing or background. Our project is fully audited and follows international child protection and care protocols.

The money would be used for the building of the Bali Kids Foundation’s new clinic at Mengwi village in Badung regency. The new clinic is scheduled to complete by the year 2012. “I am grateful to receive assistance and donations for the benefit of our children,” Brenton told The Jakarta Post before the charity event.

Jimmy Roland, the tennis tournament director, said he was happy to hold this tournament. “More than 88 players from Bali, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, France, the Netherlands and other countries joined the tournament with more than 118 entries,” said Roland.

The tennis tournament was sponsored by Melia Bali as the main sponsor, Canggu Club, Wilson, Bali Kids Foundation, Ahimsa, Miyako Tours and Transport Service, Legian Beach Hotel, Gemala Jewelry, Conrad Bali, Hot Dog Watersport, Dua Lighting and media partner The Jakarta Post.

Brenton said he was touched by the fund raising achieved at this year’s tournament and the generosity of players and sponsors.

Players were also happy that the funds raised were handed over to the Bali Kids Foundation in front of them. “It was great to see that our efforts could benefit the children,” remarked one.