Interview: Rebecca Welsh On HALO–Her Vision To Help Art Liberate Orphans

Rebecca with children in Uganda

By Stacey Gualandi

“What has happened in Japan is absolutely devastating.  It reminds me of the 2004 tsunami that dramatically rose the number of orphans where we work in India.  At that time we had to quickly make space for children in need of shelter and love…Just one child losing their parents to something like this is an absolute tragedy.”—Rebecca

Rebecca Welsh knows first-hand the overwhelming desperation following a destructive tsumani.  Seven years ago, she created The HALO Foundation–Helping Art Liberate Orphans.  A HALO-supported orphanage in India provided a home for children left parentless after the 2004 tsunami.

This 31-year-old former Taekwondo World Champion is a guardian angel for many young people.   HALO continues to offer support and hope worldwide through determination, donations, and drawings!

The artwork these young boys and girls create has sold at auctions and in turn helps to fund food, shelter, education, water, and the clothes on their back.  HALO now operates in six countries, supporting 11 orphanages and counting.

Photo: Morgan Miller

A mutual friend recently introduced me to Rebecca while she was exploring a possible expansion to the West Coast.  And considering I am a student of tae-bo (taikwondo-light),  I was very interested to see how a world champion in martial arts became a champion for young children in need…

Tsunami Survivor Petra Nemcova Rebuilds Young Lives With Happy Hearts

These photos at the nationalpost.com of the devastation in Japan from the tsunami remind us of the unforgettable destruction of the Indian Ocean Tsunami on Dec. 26, 2004. 

The number of casualties from that disaster was staggering.  We could not fathom that it could kill 230,000 people in 12 nations and displace more than 1.4 million.

One person was touched by it in a most horrific way.  Model Petra Nemcova, vacationing in Thailand at the time, was almost swept away by the overpowering current but managed to keep her head above water.  Her fiance, photographer Simon Atlee, disappeared into the raging waters. 

Here she describes how she survived by holding onto a tree for 8 hours…

Petra ended up with a broken pelvis and internal injuries as well as the traumatic loss of her loved one.  But out of this tragedy came an idea for a way to help those with little hope and great need.