Andy Loveless on Mia's Children

Posted by Richard L. Roberts

Sandy Nichols introduced Andy Loveless, a member of the Rotary Club of Cambria. Andy spoke to us about Mia's Children, a Day Center/Half Way House located on the outskirts of Bucharest, Romania. The Center currently consists of two small two bed room houses where under privileged children are cared for. The Center was established in 1997 by Mia, a one woman crusader helping underprivileged children. Their basic goals are to help children whose parents have a financial, social or psychological problem. Help prevent parents from child abandonment. Rescue children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

The Center provides at least one meal a day for each child, clothes and footwear, an educational program including teaching morals, tolerance, hygiene and protection of the environment, art and music. They have a family counseling program, recreational activities and summer camps.

Andy spent six wonderful days with the children, entertaining them and being entertained. It was obvious that he truly enjoyed the interaction with these great kids. A highlight for the kids was when Andy took them all to McDonalds and for gelato ice cream afterward. He showed pictures of government institutions where children are being housed and caged like animals; horrible conditions. It was graphic and made you wonder. The children are encouraged to create art which is made into calendars and Christmas cards available to buy. For only $700, one child would receive vocational training for a year and help them get started in their life.

Becoming a Rotarian has changed Andy's life. He is totally impressed with what Rotary is doing to improve the lives of others throughout the world. Andy keeps very busy with his Rotary involvement and we are all the better for it. Thanks, Andy! For information, contact Andy, 927-0880.