By: Kevin O’Malley | Partner

This past January I traveled to Uganda, Africa for two weeks with my lifelong friend Matt Breslin and his daughter Allie. We volunteered through Clemency Uganda, a nonprofit based in Bugembe (one of THE poorest slums in Jinja, Uganda). Clemency has identified more than 80 kids in the community whose lives are most at risk due to abject poverty. Most of them are orphans living with relatives. Many of their parents died from AIDS. Too many of these beautiful kids are HIV positive themselves.

Before leaving on our journey, through the generosity of my coworkers at Wynn & Wynn, friends, family and the local community, we collected and/or purchased over 1000 pounds of basketballs, footballs, sneakers, nets, clothes, books and school supplies which we brought with us and distributed in Bugembe.

We ran a basketball and American football program twice a day for a week for 80 boys and girls age 4-17 under the BLAZING African sun. Allie stayed behind and is teaching. She will return home in May. The program was a HUGE success. These kids, who every day face challenges unthinkable to you and me, are just kids looking for an opportunity to play, get some attention and just be kids! I will never forget their smiling faces, their gratitude and genuine affection.

Since returning home, I have sought sponsors for the kids in most desperate need. For $35-$45 a month the kids are provided tuition for school (where they are fed twice a day, the only guarantee they will eat at all…), school uniforms, school supplies and incidentals. In short, a chance for a better life. Again through the generosity of Wynn & Wynn, my coworkers, friends, family,  colleagues and the local community, we have secured sponsorships for 15 kids (and counting) and additional donations of $250.

This will have a huge impact on the lives of these precious kids. Thank you!