Christmas is a time for giving and remembering those less fortunate.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Bermuda, 20 families will now have a roof over their heads, with some people sleeping on a mattress for the first time in their lives.

Humanitarian Phillip Rego has spoken of his thanks to everyone who has donated to his charity this year.

The 'Feed My Lambs Ministry' has forged ahead with its projects in Haiti, changing the lives of some of the poorest people in the world forever.

Islanders have donated more than $40,000 to the Eden Garden Orphanage in Montrouis since 2008. This has enabled Mr. Rego and his volunteers to build a medical clinic, create a feeding station and paint the orphanage buildings.

They have also funded a year's rent for 20 families and provided 100 children with school uniforms, books and shoes.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. More than 80 percent of people live below the poverty line. Some are so desperate they will boil rocks from the street in a pan of water for food.

Last year Mr. Rego sold his landscaping company, Ideal Homes and Gardens Ltd., to dedicate his life to helping the children of developing countries. He was inspired after meeting the founder of Eden Garden Orphanage, Charles Le Morzellec.

The orphanage helps 140 street children but also serves as a community centre for the local population, providing food, water and medical care.

Since March 2008, donations from the people of Bermuda have paid for a food programme, teachers' salaries, a roof for the medical clinic and a vegetable garden.

Mr. Rego now plans to build a kitchen and to create a trade school for the older boys.

He has expressed his thanks this holiday season and also wants to let people know of a change to the charity's bank account number.

"This year has been very productive indeed," said Mr. Rego. "Thanks to your support and generous donations we were able to complete a medical clinic and build a feeding station with pavilion.

"We painted all the exterior buildings of the school at the orphanage, the medical building and lower level dormitories. We also painted some of the boys' dorms.

"Your generous donations also helped more than 100 children with school fees, uniforms, books and shoes. Many more received clothing also donated by you.

"You were able to help more than 20 families keep a roof over their heads, by providing sufficient funds to pay for their rent for an entire year.

"You also made it possible for many people to sleep on a mattress for the very first time in their lives.

"Bicycles, sewing machines, commercial gas stoves, tables, chairs, beds and numerous other items were provided for children that had nowhere to sleep."

Mr. Rego added: "Currently we are supporting a clinic in Port-au-Prince that is staffed with a qualified medical doctor, two RNs (Registered Nurses), a lab technician and pharmacist. They have been a tremendous blessing to the community as they give medical help to as many people as they accommodate on any given day."

He said three shipping containers packed in September with contributions of clothes, school supplies, linens, gardening and building equipment, tables and chairs, have now arrived in Haiti.

"It's possible that they may be released to us before the New Year," said Mr. Rego.

"The New Year brings more possibilities as we look forward to starting our transitional home and vocational school. We are hoping to teach computers, mechanics, electrical, conversational English, welding and sewing.

"It has truly been a busy and fruitful year, filled with blessings and challenges alike. We continue to move forward with our plans to change lives one child at a time.

"Your continual support and prayers can make all this possible. As you consider 'peace on earth and good will to men', take a minute to reflect on the blessings of the past year and share the wealth.

"May God continue to bless you this coming year."

The Feed My Lambs Ministry which now has charitable status, has a new account number:

Account name: Feed My Lambs Ministry

Bank of Bermuda

Front Street

Hamilton

HMNX

Telephone: 441 295 4000

Account number: 010 876795 001

The Eden Garden Orphanage needs $5,500 a month just to operate. If you would like to help, you can also e-mail Mr. Rego at: feedmylambsministrygmail.com or telephone 535-8934.