Back to Uganda
SACU’s Geri Sutts plans to return in May
A small village called Buwundo, located in Uganda, holds an environment that is much different from the one we live in.
Almost worlds apart, Buwundo and Windsor-Essex County seem to only have one thing in common: a woman by the name of Geri Sutts.
Sutts is a local retired teacher who started an organization in 2010 to help the children in Uganda.
Since its beginnings, Save African Child Uganda has raised over $ 300,000 in four years and is now responsible for over 100 children.
All money raised has gone towards food, education, medical supplies, a pit latrine and a shelter that now houses up to 20 children.
These children— some of them being orphans, have a history of slavery, abandonment and abuse.
Now, through SACU, these children are guaranteed a save haven where they are given the help and support they need.
“We are in the process of building a volunteer room and a new classroom plus working on getting another water tank, plumbing and a septic put in,” says Sutts. “And of course, as always, working on providing food, education, and medical.”
Through presentations and meetings to promote SACU, Sutts has inspired many locals to get involved in helping the children in Uganda.
Some of those involved here in the area are children.
“I was approached by some parents whose son was so excited about SACU, he wants to do something to help out,” says Sutts. “He’ll be doing a fundraiser on his own.
“Another family’s six year old drew a bunch of pictures and went to her neighbours to sell her pictures and the money was going for the kids in Uganda.
“It’s the young ones who are seeing all of this. It’s so cool.”
The support from the organization is important, but the energy that runs through the veins of SACU comes from its sponsors, which are in high demand.
As SACU continues to fund projects to better the community in the remote village of Buwundo, the needs of the children will also continue; whether it be food, medical, education, clothing or even a mattress to sleep on and mosquito net to protect them—the financial support of a sponsor with the sponsorship fee, plus donations could go a long way.
“The money is for education, two meals a day while at school and medical assistance,” writes Sutts in a post on the SACU Facebook page.
“It doesn’t pay for the children we care for in the shelter 24/7. It doesn’t pay for the special celebration meals like Christmas or Easter. It also doesn’t pay for buildings, that’s why we have to do a lot of fundraising.
“We send $ 3,000 a month minus the cost of sending the money which works out to about $1 a day a child. We have to raise an additional $14,000 a year just to make sure the children get educated, fed two meals and receive medical assistance when necessary and make sure the children in the shelter are cared for and fed. Clothing is another issue.”
In the past, Sutts has run into some health problems that have limited her visits to Uganda to see the progress her organization has brought to the village.
Recently however, she has been cleared to go back to Uganda in May and plans on bringing packages and donations for the children she supports.
During previous visits, Sutts has asked her sponsors to prepare these packages with clothing and other necessities— or to make things less complicated to transport during her journey, sponsors and contributors are asked to submit a donation for items to be bought in Uganda.
“SACU is looking for sponsors for the children,” said Sutts. “I only have 60 of those 100 children sponsored. Sponsors are asked to donate money to their children and, if they can, donate some to the children who do not yet have a sponsor.
“When I go over there, each child receives a package. Last time I went, I had 12 suitcases full of packages. This time, I’m asking sponsors to donate money so we can buy for the necessities these children really need over in Uganda.”
Sutts said there is a difference between sponsorship and being a sponsor.
“If someone pays the $300, which we gratefully receive, and that’s it, that’s a sponsorship,” said Sutts.
“Being a sponsor means you pay your $300 and want to connect with the child by writing a letter to them.
“A few of the sponsors don’t find time to write a letter a year to their child, or to send something extra.”
Fundraiser on April 18 at Glenwood United Church
Becoming a sponsor is one of the main things Sutts wants to promote at her upcoming fundraiser on Saturday, April 18 at Glenwood United Church in Windsor.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $15 at the door, and $5 for students.
Sutts will also be bringing letters for the children to keep them connected with their sponsors and the residents who have helped support them.
“Every child will receive a letter,” said Sutts.
“I only have 60 of those 100 sponsored so we’re checking in to have many different people write a letter to a child.”
The community will have the opportunity to donate to the cause and help contribute to upcoming projects SACU will be undertaking.
Please visit Save African Child Uganda on Facebook or call Geri Sutts at 519-962-5840 for more information