Local Businessman Sponsors Tanzanian Pilot Training

Ivan Lizarralde, owner of Blue Peace pest control, recently stumbled across a Whitsunday Life article highlighting Vari ‘Bi Bi’ Galletly’s dedicated work with children in Tanzania and was inspired to act.

Ivan makes a donation every year and was looking for his 2026 cause, seeking a trustworthy organisation that ensures all funds go directly to the person in need.

When he read about Vari’s House of Happiness, a home that gives kids in Tanzania care and access to education, he decided he’d found exactly what he was looking for.

The article detailed Vari’s mission to help Simon, one of the orphanage’s wards, on his journey to train to become a pilot. This in particular caught Ivan’s eye.

Ivan flies planes himself, as a hobby and through Blue Peace, visiting the islands to conduct pest inspections.

“I know what joy it is and what a beautiful thing it is to be up there in the air and help others.” Ivan says. “I just thought it was one way to give back to humanity. And Vari, she's amazing.”

Thanks in part to Ivan’s amazing generosity, Simon will be leaving Tanzania for Johannesburg in the coming days, where he will train for his dream career.

Tax-deductible donations to the organisation can be made here: https://www.gdg.org.au/DonateJ602NH

1 - Ivan’s love of flying inspired him to support Vari’s mission.

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