Our hearts are heavy with the news of the devastation and destruction caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti. A country of 9 million people, who already live in appalling conditions, is suffering even more as a result of this tragedy.

Many of our friends and supporters have been asking about the status of the new school HUGS is helping to build in the Dominican Republic. The school did not sustain any damage from the earthquake and is near completion. For this, we are very thankful. However, many of the amazing people HUGS has been fortunate enough to work with over the past number of years have lost loved ones in this tragedy. For this, we grieve.

To date, the work of HUGS has focused on supporting the work of Canadian missionaries in assisting Haitian refugee children in the Dominican Republic. At this time, we believe it is our duty to help those in greatest need – the many Haitians directly affected by the earthquake. For the foreseeable future, any HUG donations will be directed toward the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Haiti. At an appropriate time in the future, we will again be directing funds to building schools for Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic.

Haitians need our help now more than ever. Please consider sending a hug today, every hug sends hope for a better tomorrow.