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 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: September 4
Our ninth day of distribution was held at Ibrahim Gamero school. Our first challenge was for our driver to negotiate access roads to the school which were very narrow and cluttered with vehicles. After drop-off we all descended steep narrow stone steps without hand rails and already congested with children, parents and numerous dogs, to enter the school. This slowed our progress.
The school had been built on the side of a cliff with small classrooms and two sets of access stairs. Our leader tĥen had to develop a plan for the steps of the distribution: registration, tee-shirts, backpacks, staging, pictures, bedkits and exit. All stages were set up quickly with the help of our Rotarians, Rotoractors and municipal supporters who had been working with us and knew our set-up plan.
We were then ready to initiate our distribution and the waìting and excited children were processed into our stages initially in groups of 10. This allowed our process to move quickly.
Some of the younger children at times seemed nervous and afraid of us as they did not fully understand who we were and what was happenin̈g, but we had individuals with us speaking Spanish and providing support to address any concerns. Several delays in our process occurred due to children being delayed by traffic or scheduling but eventually we completed our distribution of 501 bedkits.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: September 3
We are in Honduras, a country that makes your mind contort as you look around. There is a large influence from the other “America” here - everything from KFC, to McDonalds, to Walmart, Costco, Dunkin Donuts - and coffee shops on every corner. When you look at the other side of the road you will see shanties (chabolas) that are merely stone walls with metal roofs with logs on the roof to hold them down in the wind. But what is also here is crime, although you might not see it as obviously. Here the gangs run the rural parts of the country, just outside the city, where the poorest of the poor are.
It is risky for us “gringos” to venture into those areas and also risky for the children who come to collect their bedkits, as we are traversing on their territory. So we teeter on the edge . . . going to schools near - or between - gang run areas (with police or municipal escorts, of course - just in case). That's about as close as we can get that will allow us to help the children, but not endanger anyone, and that keeps our Rotarian and Rotaractor colleagues safe and at peace with their community.
So why do we come here if it's somewhat dangerous? Well we don't really go into danger zones, but mostly because the children need us! So far we have been to 3 schools in borderline areas and each school has thanked us immensely for “not forgetting them,” and for including their children in our program. The smiles, the comments such as “God bless you,” of “I love you” that we hear from the children along with the high-fives and the hugs help us all know how gratifying this work can be.
Maybe WE are the hope that these children need to feel pulling them towards a different way of life as they get older?
That’s why we come here.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: September 2
As a fellow Rotarian and a past Rotaractor (young/future Rotarians) it warms my heart to know how Rotarians are very dedicated in their service to mankind all over the world. Here in Honduras, members of the Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa have many projects but Sleeping Children is one of their top initiatives. This also applies to the Rotaractors who this year invited other Rotaractor clubs in the city to join the distribution to both see what it is and to engage in cross-club initiatives and networking. It is the strength and dedication of these two organizations that pull this all together and deliver it alongside our SCAW travelling volunteers.
In cooperation with SCAW over the past approx. 20 years, these organizations have improved the lives and given hope for the future of over 100,000 Honduran children.
We are very excited and humbled to be crossing this milestone with them on this distribution.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: September 1
Today’s school had a very confined centre court. The children were streaming in one closely guarded door as the street was full of excited parents, relatives and community members.
The school presented us with a very exuberant dance routine using vibrantly ribboned hoops and gymnastics.
The distribution of 486 bedkits flowed smoothly. As an added bonus for the children today they received medical attention from a team of health care providers.
Mawdy is an international organization in 23 countries and operates in Honduras to provide a suite of insurance services. They brought many staff and the health care organization they contract with (Integrasalud Hn) provided health care services to the children. Dental care staff applied fluoride treatment. Nurses and doctors gave out vitamins and deworming medication and did health checks as needed. Mawdy has been supporting SCAW with this one day of services for 3 years, and next year they want to extend it to two days.
This service is available for children, teaching and administrative staff of the schools, and parents, when the delivery of the bedkits allows it.
The family doctor who attended, identified the top three health challenges for Honduran children; access to care, tinea (fungal infections of the skin on the body and feet), and dengue (a mosquito-born viral infection). The mosquito netting included in the bedkits will be especially appreciated.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: August 29
So far, all the bedkits have been distributed on the grounds of schools. Most of the schools have a central courtyard (play or assembly area) ringed by classrooms.
Although gray cement abounds, great care has been taken to make these spaces bright and cheerful learning areas. The walls are painted in bright colours, lessons are posted on the walls, interesting art hangs from the ceiling, and eye catching displays adorn the spaces.
Each day we look forward to seeing the creativity these educators bring to their students to enhance their learning experience.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: August 28
On distribution day 4, we left the city to travel 20 miles to the forest. With our trusty Rotarian driver, Casar, we navigated hills, curves, bumps and dirt roads on our way to Los Limones in Central District, arriving at Sergio Palacios School. Upon arrival, our competent Rotarian and Rotaract teams initiated set-up of our shade canopy to provide a comfortable space for our distribution.
Our distribution team reviewed the premises to plan how to use the space and set up our camera, bedkits and left space to manage the flow of the children.
Upon completion of set-up, a welcome and thankful exercise was presented by the school along with prayers and a musical performance by an aspiring young female vocalist. We then completed our distribution of 431 bedkits to very thankful, happy and smiling boys and girls.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: August 27
Beating the Rain
As all of our sights in Honduras are school locations, today is no different. This primary Catholic school, Escuel Monsenor Fallis, is much larger than previous schools with a huge courtyard. The Rotarians erected a large tent which provided ample protection from the elements for the kids. Rain threatened all day but it was the wind that caused more complications with the huge tent nearly achieving lift-off numerous times. With approximately 600 bedkits to distribute today’s distribution is larger than most.
When we finished, Rotarians and Rotaracts invited our team to lunch at Portobello, where we all enjoyed pizza. With impeccable timing the skies opened and it poured!
The day wrapped up with us attending the weekly Rotarian Social, which was held at our hotel. Another successful day!
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: August 26
We arrived at the school, Pedro Nufio, which we had visited yesterday post-distribution to scope out the best site for picture-taking and to develop flow logistics. The municipality had set up a large tent providing shade over the small centre court for the children to enter, be dressed in t-shirts and given backpacks, and be ready to move for picture-taking.
The team was given a warm welcome and treated to a lively Honduran dance performed by girls dressed in brightly-coloured skirts.
The boys wore their straw wide-brimmed hats (chapellerie traclet).
Their smiles and joy were shared with us!
Many municipal volunteers, as well as Rotarian and Rotaracts, helped the SCAW team with all the steps involved in distributing the bedkits.
Some of children travelled an hour from other schools to attend and receive their bedkit. They were so thankful and happy.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: August 25
Distribution #1 is in the Books!
Today was a very successful start for Team Honduras. Five hundred and twenty-three bedkits were distributed today with relative ease. With Danielle on the photos, Masud lining up the kids, Cathy staging, Sue pulling labels, Jan checking labels and Bill handing out bedkits we preformed like a well-oiled machine.
This could not have been achieved without the unwavering support and hard work of the Tegucigalpa Rotary and Rotaracts, and of course our very generous donors. We hope all those adorable children are enjoying a good night’s sleep tonight.
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Honduras, 2025: August 24
The Honduras 2025 team has arrived and is already hard at work. We had our first meeting with some of the Rotarian team this morning. We examined all the items in the bedkit that the children will receive (spoiler alert: they are great!); were told of the locations; discussed the general site setup; and heard about all the hard work that has already been done by the Rotarians to make this distribution of 5000 bedkits run smoothly.
Tomorrow we meet the children and we are so excited!
Team Honduras, 2025
The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa 🇭🇳 and SCAW 🇨🇦