Humanitarian Phillip Rego wants to thank the people of Bermuda for their generosity in helping to save lives in Haiti.

Since last year, Islanders have donated more than $40,000 to the Eden Garden Orphanage in Montrouis and projects to improve the lives of the local population.

Mr. Rego's next plan is to buy a plot of land on which to build accommodation and a trade school for the older boys.

"We are looking to create a transitional home where we can give these boys a trade," he said.

"There's a few pieces of property I've got my eye on.

"These boys are 21-22 and were ten years old when they first came to the orphanage, so it's not healthy to still have them here with all the younger children.

"I have already found a good carpenter who could teach them carpentry. The aim is to make them self-sufficient so they can look after themselves."

He also wants to ship a container out to Haiti, loaded up with goods, clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils and construction materials from Bermuda.

Mr. Rego said Bermudians have deluged his home with donations of clothing since he began his mission to help Third World children in 2008.

They have also been generous in their financial contributions. With the donations so far, he has established a food programme, doubled the teachers' salaries, put a roof on the medical clinic, planted a vegetable garden and distributed food and rice to villagers. The orphanage also serves as a school and community centre, distributing any food it can spare and providing medical care to the impoverished local community.

Giving The Royal Gazette an update on recent progress, Mr. Rego said: "We have painted some of the rooms and have now finished the medical clinic and the feeding station."

The feeding station, in a pavilion next to the school, will enable the children to get a hot meal in the morning before they start their lessons.

The orphanage helps street children who are otherwise forced into slavery to obtain food. Of the 140 children who attend classes, 110 are youngsters from outside of the orphanage.

"We are hoping to serve the first lot of food out of the school the first week in September," said Mr. Rego.

"When you walk into the Eden Garden Orphanage now you can see the money has been well spent. I make sure every dollar gets the full value and that 100 percent of people's donations go to the children.

"I would like to say a big 'thank you' to the people of Bermuda as there's people I don't even know who are donating to this cause. Thank you so much for helping.

"We are not out of the woods yet, we've still got so much to do, but thank you."

This month, Mr. Rego will be assisted in his efforts at the orphanage by 12 volunteers, ranging from accountants to construction workers.

"We hope to finish up the school by completing the roof, pouring concrete on the floor and putting the windows in," he said.

Another 12 volunteers are expected to travel with him in October, to assist in food, education and medical programmes.

The Eden Garden Orphanage needs $5,500 a month just to operate. If you would like to help, e-mail Mr. Rego, feedmylambsministry@gmail.com, or telephone 535-8934.

You can also donate directly to the charity's Bank of Bermuda account at: 010305498012.