Cathy Booth
Founder & Director
Cathy Booth, school teacher and mother, founded Umoja Orphanage Kenya in July 2011 after volunteering in a Kenyan orphanage. Once she saw the difference that intervention and a safe environment can make to orphaned children she was compelled to begin her own non-profit organisation. Her empathy for children, outstanding work ethic, and unwavering passion to help those who are less fortunate drives her team to achieve the extraordinary.
Lesley Bath
Deputy Director
Lesley had a life changing experience when she volunteered at two orphanages in February/March 2012. She teamed up with Cathy on a fact finding mission and together they visited many Orphanages and schools in the Ukunda and Mombasa areas. Seeing firsthand the difference that a secure home life, love, and nutrition gave to the homeless children of this area convinced Lesley to commit to working with the Umoja team. After 35 years in Education systems across three states, Lesley is well qualified to be involved with setting up the Umoja Orphanage Project and providing a life changing opportunity for the children of Kenya.
Shanyn Limpus
Communications Officer/ Fundraising Coordinator
The chance to give orphans a second chance at life, at learning, and at reaching their potential is what motivated Shanyn to take on a central role in the Umoja team. With a background in education and a Master of Arts in Writing, Editing, and Publishing, Shanyn brings specialised knowledge and creativity to her administration role. She works behind the scenes supporting the project in a number of ways from event management through to public relations. Shanyn joined the April 2014 volunteer tour as Team Leader and saw firsthand why the Umoja Project is so needed in the Ukunda community.
Gaye Limpus
Treasurer
Gaye visited Kenya in 2010 and experienced first-hand the poverty that African children face on a daily basis. She has always been an advocate for helping others, especially those who live with disabilities, by raising money for many organisations that are close to her heart. Gaye has been an important member of the team from the very beginning of the project, consistently staying goal-oriented and providing practical fundraising advice and assistance wherever needed.
Kerri-Anne McNee
Member of the Board/ Fundraising support
Kerri-Anne is a successful international business professional with 15 year’s experience in marketing, business development, and sales and communications with public and private companies. As an intrepid traveler and mother of three, she has a strong desire to make the world a safer place for children by supporting their health, safety, and happiness.
Rhiana Booth
Fundraising support
Rhiana is Cathy’s youngest daughter and a proud supporter of the Umoja project. Since moving back to Queensland with her son Bailey she became motivated to join the Umoja Team. Her excellent communication skills, creativity, and bookkeeping experience are well suited to our project. Rhiana volunteered on our April 2014 tour along with her partner Sam and son Bailey who saw firsthand the abject poverty and community needs where the Umoja Project is situated. At times Rhiana was overcome with emotion. Rhiana hopes to become a Team Leader for future volunteer tours to Kenya.
Wayne & Pam Limbrick
Fundraising support
Wayne Limbrick is a proud Rotarian from Shepparton Central Rotary Club in Victoria and is very humbled to be a part of the Umoja project. Wayne and his wife Pam were part of the second volunteer team to Kenya that erected the perimeter fence, and their wonderful experience in Kenya only cemented their commitment to helping disadvantaged children and communities in Kenya. We are very thankful for the generosity and ongoing support of the Limbricks as well as their fundraising support, including the annual gala dinner and the world’s biggest dinner party.
Patrick Kea
Kenyan Project Manager
Patrick is a proud Kenyan who witnesses and lives every day the struggles of his culture. His advice and local knowledge have been immeasurable, and his honesty and hard work are an asset to the Umoja Project. Patrick speaks 4 languages: English, Swahili, his tribal language and German. Finding a better safari driver in Kenya would indeed be a very difficult. Patrick’s knowledge of his country and his firm belief in the outcomes of the Umoja Orphanage Kenya project are to be admired.
