Concord Rotarian Amanda Alphen traveled on a mission to the Dominican Republic (DR) with A Hand Up Group (HUGS) founded by Concord Rotarian Mario Matos . Sharing some enlightening photos, Amanda highlighted her experience working among the Haitian refugees forced to flee Haiti for a better life in DR. Among the many ways HUGS offers a hand up is to distribute food to families who desperately need it, and to build houses. Mario, a skilled tradesman, teaches the Haitians construction skills so that they can earn a living and even start their own businesses. Mario and a team of HUGS volunteers undertake several mission trips a year, and Amanda encouraged those interested in helping to find more information on HUGS Facebook page.
