WELCOME TO PROPER WALK & SAFARI 2026
Thank you for your interest in the Makindu Children's Program's signature fundraiser, PROPER WALK & SAFARI. Led by Michael Farley and Walter Slawski, the following travelers are raising funds for the children of Makindu and will embark on this 18th Adventure for a Cause in July. Your donations will help feed, educate and care for hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children in eastern Kenya. The travelers will meet, eat, dance and play with the kids at the Children's Center. They will also do a Service Project Day repairing and painting benches, and planting seedlings in the shamba.
To support your traveler and the children of Makindu:
- Select DONATION AMOUNT below or to the right
- Click WHICH TRAVELER DO YOU SUPPORT? and select from the automated dropdown menu
- Click the green button NEXT
- Choose payment type and provide prompted information
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2026 TRAVELERS:
AJ Slawski: I have known about this incredible opportunity for a few years now through my uncle, Walter Slawski, who takes part annually. I am truly ecstatic to now have the chance to make a difference in the lives of these amazing children and help provide the resources they need to thrive. This year, I will be traveling to take part in the walk, and I hope to create lasting memories while making a meaningful impact on these children—one they will never forget.
Dave Brooks:
Henry Alston:
Mighty Joshua: I have been raising funds and awareness for Makindu Children’s Program for many years. I met Michael Farley 24 years ago and became interested in the MCP. I look forward to raising more funds and awareness of the kids of the Makindu, as I prepare to travel again to Kenya on my 8th Adventure for a Cause.
Michael Farley first arrived in Makindu, Kenya, as a US Peace Corps volunteer in 1977 for the Ministry of Agriculture and lived in a mud hut. The people of Makindu treated him with kindness and generosity, even though they had very little. In 1998, he met Winnie Barron and learned of her efforts to help and support orphaned children in Makindu. In 2002, Michael organized and led the first Proper Walk in Northern Kenya to raise both funds for the Makindu Children’s Program and awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and has led 16 additional Proper Walks & Safaris since. He has served on the Board of Directors for many years, currently as Past Chair.
Nate Gardner is a filmmaker and educator based in Los Angeles. He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana from 2017-19, largely inspired by tales of the (mis)adventures he'd heard from his uncle when all too young and impressionable - the larger than life Dave Brooks. After years of stories and photos from countless Proper Walks and Safaris, stars finally aligned for Nate to join his uncle Dave on what has become a profoundly meaningful tradition. Tsamaya sentle - travel well, in Setswana! Now, to learn the Swahili...
Paul Bratton is a devoted father to two wonderful children and a passionate advocate for children in need. Guided by compassion, faith, and purpose, he has dedicated much of his life to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that uplift and empower young people. Paul’s connection to the Makindu Children Program began 27 years ago, when he met Michael Farley. That introduction sparked a lifelong passion for helping children and supporting meaningful work that creates lasting impact. His upcoming mission trip to Kenya represents a powerful milestone in that journey and will be his first visit to Africa, an experience he approaches with gratitude, humility, and a heart to serve. Outside of mission work, Paul enjoys traveling, exploring the arts, and listening to music. He also embraces adventure and values creating unforgettable memories with his children. Whether at home or abroad, Paul’s life is defined by kindness, service, and a deep commitment to family and community.
Riley Gardner: I am grateful to be part of this amazing journey. I was introduced to this opportunity through AJ’s uncle, Walter Slawski. This organization is truly special, and meeting the children will be a meaningful moment that I will carry with me for life.
Ron Spears:
Ron Spears II is a U.S. Army veteran and dedicated youth advocate with a strong commitment to service, safety, and community impact. After serving honorably in multiple Army units and earning distinctions such as Soldier of the Cycle, Student First Sergeant & Honors Graduate, and the Army Achievement Medal, Ron transitioned his passion for leadership into civilian service. He currently serves as the Family Care and Safety Coordinator at Youth for Tomorrow, where he works closely with at-risk youth and military-connected families, focusing on care coordination, aftercare support, and long-term stability. Ron is deeply invested in mentorship, advocacy, and creating pathways for young people to thrive. Through participation in this charity walk, Ron continues his lifelong mission of giving back—honoring service, supporting youth, and strengthening communities one step at a time.
Terence Lyster & Wicki Hardwick first learned about Makindu Children’s Program in 2022 through their friend, Walter Slawski. The more they discovered about the life-changing impact this program has on its community—and the incredible people who support it—the more they knew they wanted to get involved. After a couple of years supporting Makindu from Charlottesville, they decided to take the next step and join their first Proper Walk & Safari. They are both passionate about family, friends, and community, and are excited to bring that energy to PWS 2026 and the Makindu community. Thank you for standing with them and supporting this incredible cause!
Walter Slawski: I was blessed to meet Michael Farley in 2005 and came to learn about Michael’s amazing adventures and Makindu Children's Program. I was enamored by how impactful the grass roots efforts were for the children and community of Makindu. As a child I was fortunate enough to spend some years in my mother’s native Zimbabwe and fell in love with both the continent and the people of Africa. Proper Walk & Safari 2026 will mark my 6th trip in support of MCP, and the first as a board member! Thank you for your support of these incredible kids.