Our Founders
2002 was the year I first went to Uganda. What I learned and saw in
Uganda changed my life, my focus, and my understanding of this world.
During my stay, I met so many wonderful people. According to our standards,
these people should have been unhappy - they had nothing! They were,
however, amazing in the wealth they possessed in their hearts. The sickness,
poverty, hunger, and bloated bellies were all around me, but so was peace
in the eyes of the locals. One sight always disturbed me, though, and
kept me awake at night. This was the sight of a home with tombstones
out front and children playing in
the yard or working in the fields. When I asked if there was
supervision for the children I was told, "No, the parents are dead." With
the area's limited resources, these children were left unprotected in
their own homes after the death of their parents. Many of these children
had been exposed to or infected with HIV.
Once home, I shared my heart with my husband, Larry. He felt the
same pull to help these children. Together we starting our own 501.C.3
not-for-profit foundation called HUGS. We determined to choose projects
that would help village inhabitants become self-sufficient and care for
their own needs. Sharing this with friends and family, our board members
became evident. The first meeting of the board of directors of HUGS was
held in July of 2003.
Since
that time we have worked to get the details of life in the whole of Uganda
to as many as possible. When people hear of the poverty and need in Uganda,
the result has been overwhelming charity. Larry, the board of directors,
and I are encouraged by the response to the need. We would like to thank
all who gave and keep giving so the people of Uganda can have a better
life. Together we have changed their future – one project, one village
at a time.
