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… Continue reading
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