The Orphanage Program of Riverside Secondary

"My fondest memory of the entire trip, was when we started working with the street orphans. Unlike the others, you could see in their eyes just how much it meant to them to have us there. I believe that was where we made the biggest difference. One boy stood out in particular to me, it was obvious that he was high on something... on what I am not sure. It was way too hot out but that didn't stop the kids. They were busy playing soccer in their new Port Coquitlam jerseys, when this one young boy came over to me. We were told previously to not give the kids our water bottles, and if we did, we could not drink out of it again. He wanted some of my water, and I figured since I had brought two bottles along why not give him one. The look on his face was priceless; it was as if I gave him the best gift ever. I will remember it forever; if I had the chance, I would have taken a picture. I cannot describe the look, but I can tell you that the one little water bottle I gave him was probably the best thing he had ever be given! He smiled from ear to ear, and when the other kids tried to have some, he held it so close as if it was something that he could never replace. And then I realized that he couldn't replace it. That was the point when my world changed, and I believe I have changed as a person. You don't really know how easy you have it until you see a world where they fight for a small loaf of bread, or a water bottle. Where no one gives these kids the time of day. They are treated worse then criminals. We saw one young boy that was sleeping in a doorway, we woke him up, he was sleeping on a piece of bread, he grabbed it and started eating it. Like he was afraid that he would lose it. Time to these kids means so much; any time you give them is appreciated. Just talking with them makes you feel like you have given them something when all we did was hang out. One of the boys was so happy to wear my sunglasses for the day, he told the worker that I could not leave, that he loved me so much. One of the girls was on her third pregnancy. Like the cycle continues. It was giving of our time that was most important to all the kids

This trip changed my life, and I'll remember it forever. I believe it changed me as a person for the better, and set me out on the right path to what I know will probably be the rest of my life's work. I thank the Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam for their kind support. Thank you."

Rotary thanks Katie for sharing this wonderful story with us.