HUGGS Cards: Give the Gift of Education!

Fall is here, and before you know it, it will be time to make up your holiday gift card list.  This year, consider sending a HUGGS Card to those you know—it’s a great way to keep in touch, while supporting our students!

This year we offer two types of HUGGS cards:

1.  NOTE CARD.  At just $20 for nine cards these are perfect for any season!  Buy a collection of note cards, showcasing artwork drawn by our students. The cards are charming, and it’s a great way to support the students; they are thrilled that they can contribute in this way.

2.  GIFT CARD.  For Christmas, a memorial, or any special occasion. Buy a gift card for $25:  this card is both a card and a gift given in the name of your friends and family, giving them the satisfaction of knowing that they are remembered and realizing that their gift helps deserving young people in India complete their education.

You will be sent a tax receipt for your donation of gift card purchases.

Student Update

Increasing donor support leads to more HUGGS students. Thank You!
Thanks to the generosity of HUGGS donors last year, we have been able to increase our student numbers by accepting the 4 new students, photographed below, for the coming year. In total HUGGS is now supporting 18 students.

Through donations and support for events like the Indian Dinner last fall, our donors are making dreams come true for young people in India. Thank you for helping to change the lives of these students and giving them a more promising future.

HUGGS First Student achieves her dream
Viveka, our first student whose dream to be a nurse inspired HUGGS founder Lisa Heel to establish the charity in 2003, graduated as a nurse in 2009.

How your donations support students

The generous support of our donors enables HUGGS to provide all round support to our students, giving them the best opportunity to succeed in completing their education.

How much does it cost to support one student?

• High school student, $1000 per year
• College student, $1500 per year

Currently 10 of HUGGS 18 students are fully sponsored for their education. The remaining 8 students are funded by donations, gift card sales and event proceeds.

What you can do.

• Continue supporting HUGGS – make a gift, buy some cards, attend an event
• Tell someone about HUGGS work and invite them to an event
• Invite a HUGGS representative to speak at your club, church, temple or group
• Hold an event for HUGGS – whether a garage sale or sponsored walk, your support will change a student’s life.

HUGGS Board news

This year, the HUGGS Board thanked Marilyn Gullison for her invaluable 6 years of service as Board Chair, and welcomed Helen Kline as the new Chair. When Marilyn began as Chairperson in 2003, HUGGS’ first year, we had only 1 student. Now, 6 years later, we have 18 students, and that first student has graduated as a nurse. It’s exciting to see the difference 6 years of HUGGS support can make in the life of a young person!

Tara King joined the Board as Event Coordinator, and Isobel Bodie is serving on the Board as Volunteer Coordinator. We welcome their enthusiasm and expertise and appreciate their commitment!

HUGGS India tour—an exciting possibility

Would YOU or any of your friends be interested in a tour of our HUGGS work in Vizag, India? This would be a unique opportunity to see first hand the work of HUGGS and learn how your support is making a difference. For more information please call 604 988 4898.