Feed My Lambs Ministry has started selling calendars to raise funds for its orphanage, clinic and school in Haiti.

The volunteers who have been the driving force behind the initiative have been overwhelmed by its success.

“They’ve been very well received and they’re selling fast,” said Marianne Herbert, who put the calendars together. “The response is overwhelming.”

Through a series of colourful photographs and informative captions, the calendars tell the story behind the charity’s work in Montrouis over the past seven years.

Ms Herbert said the calendar idea came about after someone at her church mentioned the idea to her and “it really blossomed from there”.

“They love it,” said Linda Adderley, whose brother set up the charity. “I had it put out in my church and they were so excited.”

Ms Adderley said the calendars made a great gift “that keeps on giving”, with the sale of one calendar able to feed a child for four months.

The calendars can be bought from volunteers and at various locations across the Island, including ER Aubrey, the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda Gift Shop, Brighton Hill Nurseries and Luxury for Less.

Sales have already been so successful that the charity is considering putting in another order.

The Feed My Lambs Orphanage, founded by Bermudian philanthropist Phillip Rego in 2009, houses 58 children and the school now caters to about 700 students.

Mr Rego previously spoke to The Royal Gazette about the “extreme” situation in Haiti, described as “the poorest country in the western hemisphere”.

Ms Adderley and Ms Herbert, who will be among a group of volunteers travelling to Haiti this month, hope that by selling the calendars they can continue to make a difference in the lives of Haitians.

Both women have seen the suffering caused by the extreme poverty first hand and have been busy networking to increase the charity’s ability to help the needy.

“We’ve been planning for several months now a feeding programme so that the children can be fed at least three days a week while they are at school,” Ms Herbert said.

“During the summer, while they were on their school break, a new kitchen and storage room have been built in the courtyard at the school.”

The charity is now looking to collect monetary donations because it is limited with how many material goods it can take to Haiti on its next trip.

Ms Adderley said the funds raised by selling the calendars would help to pay for the extra luggage, assist with the feeding programme and running the facility, which costs more than $10,900 each month.

Ms Herbert has also been collecting money to take rice and beans to those living in the more rural areas.

When the charity returns to Haiti this month, it will also start working on building a farm next to the orphanage.

The project was initiated by Bermudian John Singleton and the building will be done under the expert instruction of local farmer Tom Wadson.

To purchase a calendar call Linda Adderley on 536-3613. For more information visit www.feedmy- lambsministry.org or www.facebook.com/feedmylambsbda