MN SCI Humanitarian Impact

SCIF Bell Family Blue Bag Program

When going out on an epic adventure in life the best thing that you can do to make your adventure fulfilling is to pay it forward and generate significant humanitarian impact. Not only is this a fulfilling thing to do, but by doing so it will change the lives of the people that you are giving back to and will change yours as well. One of the ways that MN SCI is generating humanitarian impact is by helping sponsor members to take part in Safari Club International Foundation’s (SCIF) Bell Family Blue Bag program. For more information about the history of how the Bell Family Blue Bag Program was started, to hear inspirational stories, and to find out how you can get involved you can click on the following link:

https://safariclubfoundation.org/bell-family-blue-bag-program/

Delivering Blue Bags to Môrester

This past year has been filled with moments that reminded us of the power of generosity when people come together with a shared purpose. The journey began with an unexpected and meaningful surprise from the Minnesota SCI Chapter President, Anthony Roettger, who delivered a blue bag filled with donations from local chapter members. That single bag sparked something bigger. By the time the Minnesota SCI Show wrapped up in February 2025 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, two very full blue bags were ready to be sent to South Africa. As the months passed, Jeff and I prepared to deliver the donations ourselves. We were especially grateful to bring along Jeff’s father, Dennis Goulet, who, at 81, was visiting South Africa for the very first time. He was immediately captivated by the country’s sweeping landscapes and deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality of Dream Team Safaris, which thoughtfully adapted every aspect of the hunt to accommodate his age and mobility. With donations continuing to arrive right up until our departure, we were able to shop locally and fill four additional shopping carts with supplies for the orphanage, nearly completing their entire wish list. One moment will stay with us forever: watching Dennis unload the packed vehicle and hand out gifts to children whose arms stretched eagerly forward. With a proud smile, he declared, “I’m strong, I’ll take more!” The children and staff were filled with joy and gratitude. While the clothing and supplies met urgent needs, the teddy bears brought pure delight. Helen, the orphanage director, smiled and said, “They are beautiful, and the children will love all the gifts.” It was a powerful reminder of how far this effort had come and how much it mattered. Later, we sat down with Helen and Eddie, the finance director, to better understand the challenges facing the orphanage. When South African government funding was discontinued, more than 150 orphanages were forced to close, leaving countless children displaced. Helen made a promise that no child in her care would ever be sent back to the streets, a vow she continues to honor as the children grow older and age through the system.

Continued Progress & Growing Support

Following our September visit, we have been working directly with Dream Team and Helen to further identify priorities and develop a clear plan for both immediate and long-term needs. Since our visit, we have been able to prioritize the orphanage's needs beyond transportation to get the children to school and one child waiting for a much-needed surgery, to social workers and mentors to help guide the children as they age out of the system.

Identified Priority Needs at Môrester
Funds raised will support the following priorities: Through the Goulet Cares Project Foundation

• Kitchen Facilities: Infrastructure upgrades, improved layout, essential equipment (six-plate stove, microwaves, larger sink, storage, pots & pans), and pantry restocking

• Bedding & Linen: Beds, mattresses, spare bedding, and linens

• Infrastructure Improvements: Bathroom upgrades, plumbing, ceiling boards, and paint

• Office & Administrative Support: Filing cabinets and basic office furniture

• Back-to-School Needs: Backpacks, lunch boxes, bookcases, and school supplies

• Ongoing Needs: Food, clothing, gardening equipment, cold-room storage, regular visits, and social-worker support

Education and Reachout Continues

Our education outreach continues with the shows we attend and the invites we receive to share our story and the stories of others. Currently, we share our stories at the following shows: MN SCI (Brooklyn Park), Lake Superior SCI (Hinckley), Great Dacotah SCI (Rapid City), MN SCI Christmas Dinner, Teddy Roosevelt SCI (Bismarck), and the SCI Show in Tennessee.

At the shows, we continue to educate hunters about the Amy Bell Blue Bag Program. We are also currently collecting reflective safety items that will help children remain visible while walking in low-light conditions. These items will be delivered to our outfitter partner, Marupa Safaris, in March. Additionally, we’ve been asked to assist another hunter who is eager to collect and deliver material donations during his upcoming hunt.

Suggestive reflective items for donations: Donations can be dropped off at any of the shows we are attending.

• Reflective Backpacks

• Reflective shoelaces

• Reflective hats

• Reflective key chains

• Reflective stickers

• Other Reflective wearable gear

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we remain committed to standing alongside Helen, Dream Team Safaris, Marupa Safaris, SCI, and the Amy Bell Blue Bag Project—supporting a shared vision that values education, ethical hunting, and the importance of paying it forward.

Môrester’s mission is clear: to serve children and youth so they can grow into well-adjusted, joyful members of their community. With Helen’s unwavering commitment and the support of compassionate people around the world, no child is left without love or a safe place to call home.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has contributed, encouraged, and believed in this mission. If you would like to join us in meeting Môrester’s most pressing needs, we invite you to support the Goulet Cares Project, along with donations for the Amy Bell Blue Bag Project taken at the shows, so hunters can continue the efforts of paying it forward on their hunts.

“It is amazing when you give a child love. Their arms open wide to receive it.” Helen Lotz

Haylee Goulet
Goulet Cares Project Foundation
President

How You Can Continue to Make a Difference

Making a positive impact doesn't always require large sums of money. There are various ways you can contribute to the well-being of children in South Africa, whether it's through financial donations, volunteering your time, or even sharing knowledge and skills.

1. Direct Donations: Monetary contributions 

2. In-Kind Donations: Donating items like books, clothes, or school supplies can make an immediate difference for children in need.

3. Volunteer: If you're able to, donate your time and skills this can be just as valuable as giving money. 

4. Raise Awareness: Sometimes, the most powerful gift you can give is the gift of awareness. By raising awareness of the challenges children face in South Africa, you can inspire others to join the cause and contribute in their own way. Help us raise awareness with the Amy Bell Blue Bag project. 

The children of South Africa, like children everywhere, are the future of their country. By paying it forward—whether through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy—we can help provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. In doing so, we not only transform the lives of these children but also contribute to the broader vision of a more just, equitable, and prosperous society. As the ripple effect of kindness spreads, we may find that the future of South Africa becomes brighter, one child at a time.