Women In Uganda Sent $900 To Katrina Victims In 2005. They Earned $1.20 A Day
May 3, 2018
Hundreds of women in Kireka, Uganda, who earned roughly $1.20 per day breaking rocks into gravel donated $900 to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The women turned over their money to AVSI, a Catholic Italian aid organization in Kampala, which forwarded it to an AVSI office in the United States.
"I was just completely blown away," American aid worker Amy Cunningham said. "At first I thought, 'This can't be true. These people are just scraping by.' But I went to the ceremony, and they were so happy to be able to send over this money. They were just overwhelmed with joy because they were able to do something to help."
The charity of the Kireka residents is partly the story of Rose Busingye, a 36-year-old Ugandan nurse who founded Meeting Point International, a private relief organization that has embedded itself in Kireka to help the people who live there.
"Those people who are suffering, they belong to us. They are our people. Their problems are our problems. Their children are like our children," Busingye said.
200 women broke rocks for weeks and donated most of their wages to the Katrina pot. A few others turned over their revenue from selling bananas, necklaces and small chairs.
"I am moved by your gift, simplicity, and heart," Cunningham said while addressing the people of Kireka at a special ceremony. "It is moving to see that people living outside the United States also care for America."
This story was originally reported in 2005 by Bruce Nolan of The Times-Picayune in New Orleans.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Cockatiel Keeps Owner Awake With Earth, Wind & Fire Performance
Meet Bruce: The Mysterious Cat With A Unique Coat
The Cat At This AirBnB Leads Guests On Memorable Hikes Along The Appalachian Trail
Woman Announces Her Passing On LinkedIn, Her Message Is Spreading Far And Wide
The World's Most Expensive Cow Sells For Over $4 Million
Mom Asks For Help After Husband Suggests The 'Worst Name Ever' For First Child
Teddy Has Had Enough! Baby Has Hilarious Reaction To 'Happy Birthday' Song
Simon & Garfunkel Sing 'Baby Got Back' Instead Of 'Sound Of Silence' In Hilarious Mashup
Wild Crow Becomes Little Boy's Self-Appointed Godfather
Dad With Triplets Conquers Home Depot
Mom Knows Best: Baby Bever Tries To Swim, Gets Sent Back To His Room