SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 6
Today the team left Burtibang to head into the upper elevations of Baglung Region to the community of Nishikhola. Children in the 10 schools in the area came together in 2 distributions totalling almost 1,000 bedkits.
Living in hillside shanties on a small plot of farmed land with a few animals is a common way to make a living in this area, but barely a substantial one. This is accentuated by the often difficult conditions in the area including recent heavy rains and the 2022 earthquake that made many of the roads impassable due to land slides. Access is still difficult. Many of the recipients made long treks today to receive the bedkits.
As always, the children's excitement, expressions and often surprise when receiving the kits is priceless, and the exceptional good nature and will of the people of Nepal was not only present from the recipients but also from the young people that helped us in the distribution. The senior students in this school rose to the occasion. Kudos to them. Despite the mixed weather of the day, spirits remained high and the distribution was complete.
Today's highlights include seeing a bed kit being navigated up a steep hillside to its destination far above the distribution centre and watching Diane interact with the children with a hand puppet.
Lots of smiling 😊
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW blog: Philippines, 2026: May 5
Our hosts for the afternoon distribution did not have indoor space for 300 children to wait. So the creative Kiwanis team put chairs on the street after blocking all traffic. The overhead streamers and whirligigs, gave wonderful colour to the scene.
The truck carrying all of the 300 bedkits was a safe distance away so we could easily give a bedkit to each child after the photos were taken.
A beautiful young girl dressed in her gift pajamas, sang to the crowd.
Photos were taken inside with many volunteers helping the children to stay in line to receive their bedkits outside.
Our SCAW team is delighted to be working with the World of Sweet Dreams Inc. charity here to continue the promise of a good night’s sleep for future health and success.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (group 2), 2026: May 5
It has taken many months of planning and preparations by Team Uganda, our Overseas Volunteer Partner, the Inner Wheel of Kampala, and all the other people who support our efforts, but finally our reward is here. This was Day 1 of our distributions, and we couldn't have been more excited.
We arrived at a rural school to see a glorious sight: nearly five hundred children and their caregivers waiting for us. The children were already dressed in the clothes that are part of the bedkits - t-shirts and shorts for the boys and dresses for the girls. The colours of the clothes were as vibrant as the children wearing them.
It has taken many months of planning and preparations by Team Uganda, our Overseas Volunteer Partner, the Inner Wheel of Kampala, and all the other people who support our efforts, but finally our reward is here. This was Day 1 of our distributions, and we couldn't have been more excited.
We arrived at a rural school to see a glorious sight: nearly five hundred children and their caregivers waiting for us. The children were already dressed in the clothes that are part of the bedkits — t-shirts and shorts for the boys and dresses for the girls. The colours of the clothes were as vibrant as the children wearing them.
Thanks to the ladies of the Inner Wheel and the many volunteers they had gathered, the site was mostly set up for us to begin the distribution. Some quick assessment and reorganization, and we were ready to go.
Once we got into our rhythm, things went extremely smoothly, and before we knew it, the last child was leaving with their mattress and other bedkit items.
I had heard very good things about the Inner Wheel, and they certainly lived up to the billing. Helpful, efficient, compassionate... they demonstrated each of these. All with humour and grace.
After we had finished the distribution, we were able to visit the home of a child who received a bedkit today. We learned a little about her family's circumstances, and how this gift from one of our generous donors will make a real difference to the family. It truly drove home the impact of a $40 bedkit delivered with love.
What a great start to our distributions! We are all eager to repeat the experience again tomorrow.
May we all be blessed with a good night's sleep.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Nepal, 2026: May 5
Today was relocation day for Team Nepal to get us closer to our first distribution site. The first step was a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After sitting in the plane for 2 hours, we finally took off for the hop, skip and jump flight. What a view of the Himalayas as we arrived in Pokhara! Towering above the airport was Mount Machapuchchhre, part of the Annapurna range. Thrilling!
The next step was a roller coaster-like drive through the mountains and valleys of the Annapurna range. All around us were forested mountains, fertile terraced valleys, colourful villages and farms, rushing rivers and mind bending suspension bridges. Even though the route covered only 165 km, it took just over 6 hours of skilled driving to navigate through the mud, the potholes, the oncoming vehicles and animals on the road.
An exhausted but eager team is ready to meet our first group of children tomorrow. Bring on the smiles!
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAw blog: philippines, 2026: May 2
We met at Talaria Inc, Pasig City, for our pre-distribution meeting. This was the factory where 70% of the bedkit items were made and assembled.
Fredrick Ho, the director of sales, greeted us enthusiastically and gave us a detailed tour of the buildings. We saw how the fabric was selected, cut, checked and double checked for quality control.
The Talaria family business started with 4 sewers and increased to 40. We met many of the business partners and employees.
Our formal meeting included all our team members with Melvin and Lanni of World of Sweet Dreams Inc, as well as a few members from participating Kiwanis Clubs. They unveiled a new banner which they wanted to use at all the sights. That was special.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 4
This is the morning of Day 1 for Team Nepal. We had a welcome meeting with our gracious Nepalese hosts where we were shown the bedkit items and given a rundown of the itinerary.
We are all very excited to see the children at our first distribution after a travel day tomorrow.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW blog: Uganda, 2026: May 2
Yesterday, May 1st, we completed our final distribution of 500 bedkits in the Gulu region, making it a total of 4000 bedkits.
What an amazing experience! Our SCAW team members were so happy to help provide these gifts from the wonderful donors in Canada to these lovely children. Our partners in Uganda, the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central, were so great to work beside in this endeavor.
As we approach the end of our journey, the Inner Wheel ladies had arranged an excursion to Murchinson National Park while we are in this region before returning to Kampala.
After entering the Park, we encountered some of the natural wildlife, such as elephants, antelope, water buffalo, a ground hornbill, giraffe, baboons and warthogs.
Elephant (with birds)
Antelope
Water Buffalo
Ground Hornbill
Once we reached the top of the Falls, we could hear the rumble of the rushing water. A member of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) met us and was our guide to the Falls. He described the history behind the name and about the waters that flow into and out from the Falls.
Seeing the Falls was breathtaking!
The thunderous roar, the cascading water, the silver white spray. What a magnificent sight! It was mesmerizing.
This was a lovely ending to our trip. Many thanks to the ladies of the Inner Wheel who made this possible.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Philippines, 2026: May 3
The very first day, of my very first SCAW distribution could not have been more special. After fortifying myself with a hearty breakfast I nervously boarded our bus at 7:30 am and we departed en route to Barangay Fortune, Marikina City. When we arrived we were greeted by a sea of 300 children, proudly dressed in their new colourful pyjamas. Shy smiles and waves communicated their excitement!
We were so grateful that our hosts had arranged a covered venue in the local elementary school as the temperature quickly climbed to 36 C.
After a crash course in how to organize a distribution I was given the task of “marking” the children. This important task helps to identify those that have been photographed and move them forward to receive their bedkits.
Little did I know how profound the connection would be to hold the hand of each child and draw a happy face on their tiny finger. As I held their hand and said the word “happy” it seemed like the nerves and tension melted away. I was often treated to a big smile! The small connection across language and worlds will stay with me forever. I heard “thank-you, Po” so many times yet it was me that was truly grateful. I released them to receive their bedkits, finally seeing first-hand the profound impact that each donor’s gift would have on a deserving child.
I thank SCAW for the opportunity to share in this incredible experience and our Kiwanis hosts in the Philippines for welcoming our team so graciously!
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 2
We arrived safely on May 1, 2026 around 6:00 am after a 16-hour non-stop, full and pleasant flight. The four of us travelling from Toronto Pearson Airport had a new experience when we were asked to put our carry-on luggage on the scale, before we weighed the checked luggage. Two of the carry-ons were over the seven pound limit so we all spent several minutes transferring items to checked bags. Thankfully, we were successful.
The three other team members who were travelling from Vancouver were very excited to meet us in Manila. It was a happy time for us to be finally together, after so many months of planning.
The manager of the Overseas Volunteer Partners was waiting patiently for us. We were delighted to meet him.
On the way from the airport, we stopped to tour the famous Museo De Intramuros and see the beautiful and historical San Agustin Church in Manila.
We are excited to get to work delivering bedkits and seeing smiling children.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: May 1
Our final distribution with the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central took place under a sunny sky in northern Uganda, a beautiful and special day as we all celebrated the kids receiving their gifts from the donors. 4000 children will now be getting a better night’s sleep through the generosity of our donors - a huge thank you to them as well as to all our volunteers and supporters who make this magic happen.
Distributions like this one are such a wonderful reminder that there are good people all across the globe who just want children to be able to live their best lives and to thrive. And … they give us all 4000 more reasons to be joyful!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: May 1
The hospitality shown by our partners and all those we have volunteered alongside in Uganda has been inspiring. We have been welcomed into homes and communities with a generosity that we all can learn from. After one of the distributions, a post-distribution lunch was kindly prepared for us by a local host. The women cooked outside, creating a bountiful meal of delicious Acholi dishes. The pots were enormous, reflecting a local custom that it is impolite not to feed as many people as possible in the village.
The dancing that follows a meal is a joyful expression of community and gratitude, a celebration of simply being together.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 29 (Copy)
On the 4th day after our arrival in Uganda, we set out from Kampala northwards on a 7 hour drive. We were headed to Patira in the district of Nwoya for our 3rd distribution of 500 bedkits. The ladies from the Inner Wheel of Kampala joined us on our journey to the distribution site. It was an enjoyable trip through the countryside of Uganda with a brief stop to pick up lunch. Wonderful conversations were shared with our Ugandan partners and it was a good way to get to know them better.
When we arrived at the site, we saw that the bedkits had been delivered and the families were anxiously awaiting our arrival.
They greeted us with cheers and smiles of gratitude. While the children changed into the clothing provided in the bedkits, we introduced our groups and shared the items their children would be receiving. Photos of the children were taken, followed by the distribution of the bedkits. The children walked away with great big smiles.
It was a heartwarming sight for all who participated in the distribution
Just as we were finishing up the last few photos the rain started.
Another great day in Uganda.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 28
As we stepped off the minibus in Kiboga, Uganda, on April 27, 2026 we were greeted by an open field next to a church, framed by rolling countryside and distant mountains. It was a stunning sight—but the real magic started the moment we arrived.
Suddenly, we were much-anticipated guests to be greeted excitedly. The roars and cheers from the waiting children and parents were exhilarating; the long-awaited day had finally come. Initially, the children were quiet and composed, watching us with curious gazes—strangers from a distant land.
That stillness broke when the introductions began. Another wave of cheers erupted as we held up the bedkit items. You could feel the anticipation humming in the air; for these children, it was like Christmas morning.
Handing out the kits was a deeply heartwarming experience. When we attempted a “Hello” or “How are you?” in their local language, the children responded with surprised chuckles and wide-eyed wonder, clearly amused by our efforts. But when we finally said, “This is for you,” the long walks and hours of waiting became worth every second. We were met with soft “thank yous” and, often, a respectful genuflect. It was humbling.
Watching the children walk back to their parents, expertly balancing their new belongings on their heads, was a sight to behold.
None of this would have been possible without the Inner Wheel ladies. Their thorough preparation and execution made the joint effort seamless. As they often shouted, we were indeed: “Two teams, one goal. One goal, two teams!” Between their dedication and SCAW’s exemplary planning, it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 28
OVERSEAS VOLUNTEER PARTNERS
It took this, my first distribution as a travel volunteer, to fully appreciate how vital SCAW's Overseas Partners truly are.
In Uganda we are blessed to work with the wonderful ladies of the Inner Wheel of Kampala. From greeting us at the airport (7 of them at 11:30 pm on a Saturday night), to booking our hotels and our transportation for 12 days, negotiating with suppliers and then organizing 2 supplier factory tours, a pre-distribution meeting, and more, every detail was looked after.
At the 2 distribution sites today, 27 ladies were there to ensure we had all the help we required, including getting the children dressed, keeping them calm while waiting in line for the photos, assisting with the flow of bedkits to the children and then getting them safely back to their parents.
SCAW is very fortunate to have such a wonderful partner to work with in Uganda!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 27
Today, we had an opportunity to visit two manufacturers in Kampala that produce bedkit items we will be distributing to 4,000 children in northern Uganda.
The first manufacturer we visited, Unique Uniforms, produces back packs, shorts, skirts and t-shirts for the Ugandan bedkits. The owner and her manager took us on a plant tour to see the work processes, the layout of the facility and the automation they have implemented. The plant provided employment to 100 employees and the Inner Wheel proudly provided the statistic that approximately 90% are female.
The second manufacturer we visited was Crestfoam, and this company produces the foam mattresses for the children. This manufacturer also provided our Overseas Volunteer Partners with warehouse space to assemble the bedkits, store them, and transportation services to send the required bedkits to the different distribution centers.
These manufacturers provide clean and safe working conditions for their employees. They also help address the high unemployment rate of 12% for all adults and 18% for young adults. A key theme that we learned was “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda”.
Our focus is to distribute 4,000 bedkits on behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World and to help support local industries that provide meaningful employment in the country. Thank you to our donors for providing Ugandan communities with these things!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 26
The Canadian team arrived in Uganda to a wonderfully warm welcome from our amazing partners - the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central. After being ushered through immigration by a member of the Inner Wheel, we were greeted by another 6 members. Given that our flight landed close to midnight, we were very touched that so many took the time to be there.
Photo taken at Entebbe airport
This group of women have already demonstrated keen attention to detail with the planning of the distribution, a very strong start to their first solo SCAW project as a newly formed club! We are all excited to get the distributions started.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 28
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bed Kit Distribution – Ramdurg - Day 7 – 28th February 2026 | Community Hall
The Final Chapter of a Journey of Warmth
On 28th February 2026, the compassionate caravan of SCAW reached its final distribution point at Ramdurg — a fitting and fulfilling culmination to a noble journey. At the community hall, beginning at 9:30 am and continuing until 2:00 pm, an atmosphere of anticipation filled the air. Six hundred bedkits — thoughtfully prepared for 300 boys and 300 girls — were distributed in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Ramdurg. From the very beginning, one could sense that this was more than a distribution program — it was a celebration of care.
Teamwork that Touched Hearts
The event was powered by the collective spirit of 25 committed Rotarians of Ramdurg, supported warmly by members of the Inner Wheel Club. Adding strength and structure to the process, eight Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Belgaum travelled to Ramdurg to guide the team with precision and experience. Every bedkit was handed over with dignity. Every smile was acknowledged. A professional photographer ensured that each of the 600 radiant faces was captured — a visual testimony of hope and happiness.
The Children’s Joy
The children’s excitement was unmistakable. Their eyes sparkled at the sight of neatly displayed school bags, pencils, clothes, and essentials. For many, these were not mere items — they were symbols of belonging and possibility. A particularly touching aspect of the event was the inclusion of 10 intellectually disabled children, ensuring that compassion remained inclusive and complete. Their presence deepened the meaning of the day.
Gratitude with Dignity
Perhaps the most moving moments came when parents expressed heartfelt gratitude — not merely for the material support, but for the respect shown in including their children alongside others. There was no distinction, no separation — only equality and empathy.
A Reflection to Carry Forward
Team leader Rtn. Dr. Manisha Herekar beautifully summed up the spirit of the day: “The distribution is a gentle reminder to us of our duty to support the underprivileged children of our society. A small contribution can ease the life of these children.” As the final bedkit was handed over and the last photograph taken, Ramdurg did not feel like the end — it felt like a renewed beginning. Because when service is rendered with sincerity, the impact lasts far beyond the day.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)