SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS, 2026: AUGUST 27
Day 9 — A Letter That Touched Our Hearts ❤️
254 Bedkits. 5 Schools. Countless smiles. One unforgettable letter. ❤️
After the distribution, a young boy walked up to me and handed me a letter. It was written in Spanish. I could read the words, but I couldn't fully understand what he wanted to say. I handed the letter to one of the Rotaractors, who kindly read it and explained its meaning to me.
The boy was expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the SCAW team for the gift he and his friends had received that day. That simple letter touched all of us deeply. ❤️
Sometimes, a small gift can make a huge difference in a child's life - and sometimes, a child's few words can become a priceless gift to those who came to serve and to our donors.
Today, 254 bed kits were distributed, with children from five local schools coming together to receive bedkits, clothing, and school supplies.
We came to Honduras hoping to bring smiles to children.
Today, one young boy reminded us that those smiles, those thank-yous, and those little moments of gratitude are gifts we carry home in our hearts.
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS 2026: August 27
Day 8 was more than a record-breaking distribution. It was a day of humanity, team work and unforgettable smiles - a day that reminded all of us that a small act of kindness can create a very big dream.
Day 8 became a truly historic day for Sleeping Children Around the World in Honduras - the biggest bedkit distribution of our Honduras journey so far.
We reached the school premises around 7:15 am. More than 20 schools had brought their children to receive the bedkits, and the school grounds were already filled with excited children and patiently waiting parents. Their anticipation was clearly visible on their faces.
After a brief orientation, we got ready for the distribution. As always, the children first received their new clothes and backpacks and then came forward for their photographs. After the photo session, they moved to receive their bedkits.
It was a truly heart-touching experience.
The smiles on the children's faces were impossible to describe. Their happiness was simple, genuine and contagious. For us, every smile was a reminder of why we were there. These were not just bedkits being handed out - they were gifts of comfort, dignity and the promise of a better night's sleep.
The day began hot, as usual. About an hour into the program, the sky suddenly became cloudy, and we started worrying that rain might interrupt the distribution. A few drops fell, but fortunately the clouds soon cleared, allowing us to continue the distribution and photography smoothly.
The school itself has a huge and impressive campus. One particularly interesting part was its practical training facilities, including a woodworking department and a mechanical laboratory. These programs give students valuable hands-on skills and prepare them for the future, helping them become capable and productive members of society.
Throughout the day, the Rotarians, Rotaractors, teachers, volunteers and SCAW team worked together with tremendous energy and dedication. Despite the heat, the long hours and the occasional rain, everyone remained focused on one goal - to bring a little more comfort and happiness into the lives of these children.
By the end of the day, 900 children had received their bedkits. And that night, 900 children would go to sleep a little more comfortably, surrounded by the simple things every child deserves - a clean bed, warmth, comfort and the feeling that some one cares.
Nine hundred children.
Nine hundred smiles.
Nine hundred dreams.
What a great day!
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS, 2026: August 25
Today was our 7th distribution day in Aldea Las Casitas. We were greeted by 300 very excited children, parents and teachers anxiously awaiting our arrival.
One of the many things I’ve observed while working with the children is the happiness and surprise on their faces once they arrive to have their photograph taken. At this point, the children are seated just behind the bedkit that has been neatly arranged and displayed in front of them. They are able to look down and see all the bedkit’s contents and it occurred to me that the bedkit may contain one item that appeals to them most.
What is Your Favourite Item in the Bedkit?
Today, most children pointed to the mattress and bedding. Having an adequate and comfortable surface to sleep on is very important in so many ways - and the fact that it’s cover is brightly coloured and cartoon-themed surely caught their eye!
The backpack and school supplies were a second favourite. The children were excited about having a backpack not only to carry school supplies, but water bottles and other personal items. The older kids really appreciated the notebook and supplies!
The children also chose the treated mosquito net and clothing. Both are vital for providing warmth and protection from disease. It was very interesting to see which items appealed to the different age groups - but all could agree that they were very happy to be taking a bedkit home!!
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS, 2026: august 21
I am a newbie at SCAW on my maiden trip and what has made the most impression on me during the first week would be the people.
First there are the children, the reason we are here. While handing out the bedkits I could see in their innocent eyes their appreciation of this gift of kindness. They were not only thrilled to receive the physical bedkit, but also were happy for the physical presence of the SCAW volunteers and the Rotary and Rotaract members who provided this to them and who interacted with them. It was obvious to the children that people care about them and this provides them with hope and inspiration for their future.
Next, a big shout-out to my team members who provide great camaraderie and support. Even though we are all from different backgrounds we are of like minds, in addition to being a well-travelled group with adventurous spirits. Most importantly, we all have a shared passion for helping others. Equally deserving of a shout-out are our OVPs, the Honduras Rotarians. They are fantastic in a number of ways. They are well-organized and professional which made the distributions go smoothly. It was a pleasure interacting with them and gaining more insight about the benefits SCAW provides to the children in the community. They are great hosts and have shared meals and welcomed us into their homes. Also on the support team are the Rotaracts (young Rotarians under the age of 35). We thoroughly enjoyed hearing their different stories and their dedicated community service is to be admired. These are the people who provide the foundation of the future.
I am looking forward to week number two of people helping people and seeing the happiness and appreciation on the faces of the children.
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS, 2026: AUGUST 20
Last night we attended a Rotary club meeting and dinner. The highlight of the meeting was the enthusiastic singing of both national anthems. Danielle made a great speech outlining SCAW procedures such as country selection and the number of countries volunteers will visit or remotely support. She also talked about how 100% of your donation pays for the bedkit items, while of course thanking the Rotary club for their amazing support.
All our distributions start early with a quick breakfast at 6:00 and then we are on the road. However, we are not the only early risers. The children’s parents accompany the children and wait patiently outside the secure area to greet them and carry home the much-welcomed bedkit. An added bonus for the children is a treat donated by a Rotarian for the journey home. Today was a fairly large distribution of 700+ bedkits so there were lots of happy families.
Goodnight as we will be up early for the 5th distribution.
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS, 2026: August 19
The third day of distributions in Honduras has successfully been completed. 1656 happy children have walked away with a bedkit. A $40 donation is all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child. The bedkits we give them provide the children with a good night’s sleep giving them a better chance to be successful in life.
It is such a pleasure for SCAW volunteers to be able to hand out the donated bedkits. Everywhere we go, we are greeted by people who thank us for coming.
So far we have not had interactions with the children’s parents; however, the teachers from the various schools accompanying the children to the distributions express over and over the gratitude felt by their school districts.
Many of the schools had made signs thanking both SCAW as well as the Rotarians, who help us make the distributions successful.
Waiting to have their picture taken, the children sit with broad smiles on their faces, holding up the signs
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: HONDURAS, 2026: August 18
Today was our second distribution day in Aldea Monte Redondo. We happily greeted 324 children and with the help of numerous volunteers, we finished our distribution before noon!
We then made our way to visit the mattress factory that made the mattresses and pillows for the bedkits. We were pleased to see all is well as it’s our first year partnering with them. All foam is made and measured for bedkits on site.
Mattress and pillow covers are made and packaged for bedkit distribution.
What resonated with me today while touring this facility was how important these mattresses are for the children who will be receiving them. SCAW’s whole philosophy is grounded in the importance of every child having a good night’s sleep for their overall heath and well-being.
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG:TEAM HONDURAS, 2026: AUGUST 17
Monday, August 17th marked our first - and biggest - bedkit distribution for the SCAW 2026 Honduras Team and my first-ever distribution. We distributed 771 bedkits to children in need. It was truly such an impactful day and one I will never forget. We gathered at one of the oldest and largest schools in Tegucigalpa, a school with approximately 3,000 students that is celebrating its 148th year.
When we pulled up to the school, I instantly felt overwhelmed with emotion - not only because of the sheer magnitude of the school itself, but also because of the impact of what we were about to do. Immediately, I was blown away by how kind, thoughtful, organized and committed everyone was. The Rotarians, the school staff, the student volunteers- everyone played such an important role. The Mayor’s wife honoured us with a visit. She appreciated all of our hard work and was happy to see the distribution process in real time.
However, the children made the most impact. Their long bus rides and early arrival times didn’t dampen their joy or beautiful smiles. My favourite moments of the day were: talking to the children in a mix of Spanish and English, receiving high-fives, props and hugs from them as they walked to go get their bedkit, and experiencing their excitement and happiness as they received their bed kits. These are all memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
As my first-ever distribution day comes to a close, my heart is filled with gratitude that I am able to have this experience alongside my mum. I came here hoping to make a difference in the lives of these children, but, after only Day 1, I am realizing how deeply they will have made a difference in mine.
Team Honduras, 2026
Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 + SCAW Canada 🇨🇦