This has undoubtedly been a painful time for many in our local and global communities. We wish to express our solidarity with everyone who is currently suffering in some way, due to the pandemic and recent incidents of race-based violence. We see and hear you.
We could use any glimmers of hope right now, which is why we’re especially grateful to share that, thanks to the generosity of the Orange County Convention Center, in partnership with Visit Orlando and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, The Laurita Spina Bifida Project has been awarded a $5,000 grant!
After careful consideration, we decided to make an additional donation of $4,000 to Hope for Children with Disabilities in Uganda, which has finally reached them! The funds we sent will be used towards continuing the construction of their inclusive school for children with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and other disabilities.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the OCCC, the IAEE, and Visit Orlando for your partnership and for making this possible. I want to give a special thank-you to my new friend, Yulita Osuba, Deputy Director at Orange County Convention Center, for taking such a passionate interest in our organization’s work. Without Yulita’s enthusiasm, empathy, and collaboration, this partnership wouldn’t have been possible.
Yulita Osuba, Deputy Director of the Orange County Convention Center,
and me during a visit in February.
Earlier this year, after I shared about some accessibility issues at the OCCC, their team reached out to me to consult with them on ways to make their center more accessible to guests with disabilities in light of their upcoming expansion. I am truly humbled and honored by their invitation, and very excited that my town’s local events center will play an important role in our work with children in Uganda.
Our partner in Uganda, Ambrose Ganshanga, continues to visit children in their homes and escort them individually so that they can still have their classes, rehabilitation sessions, and and other vital therapies and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambrose also sent us an update on Jackline, a 10-year-old girl whose story we shared in October.
Please read Jackline’s updated story on our blog.
Many humble thanks. #ItTakesAVillage, and we are so fortunate with ours. #OurTribe #TheLSBProject
Laurita