Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself looking forward to something far more meaningful than decorations, gifts, or celebrations. I look forward to our annual holiday donation drive for the children in Mukono, Uganda a tradition that has become one of the most important parts of my life.
My journey with Go Volunteer Africa began a few years ago when I first joined the Childcare Development Program in Uganda. What started as a short-term volunteering experience quickly turned into something much deeper. The connections I built with the children, the local team, and the community stayed with me long after I returned home. I knew I couldn’t just walk away—I had to stay involved.
That’s how the holiday donation drive began.
Each year, I organize a fundraiser to support the program in Mukono. Over the past two years, together with friends, family, and generous supporters, we’ve raised over $7,000. But for me, it’s never just been about the amount—it’s about the impact behind every dollar.
What I look forward to most is knowing that these funds go directly toward improving the lives of the children I met. It means better meals, school supplies, clothing, and a more stable environment where they can grow, learn, and simply be kids. It means that during a season when so many of us are celebrating abundance, we are also sharing that abundance with a community that truly feels it.
There’s something incredibly special about seeing people come together for a cause like this. Every year, I’m reminded of how willing people are to help when they understand the story behind it. When I share photos, updates, and personal experiences from Mukono, it becomes real for them—and they want to be part of that impact.
But beyond the fundraising, what I truly look forward to is the feeling of connection.
Even though I may be miles away, I feel deeply connected to the children and the community. I imagine the smiles, the laughter, and the excitement when they receive support during the holidays. I remember their faces, their stories, and their resilience. That connection keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters.
This annual drive has also become a personal tradition—a moment each year where I pause and reflect. It’s a reminder that giving back isn’t something you do once; it’s something you commit to over time. It’s about consistency, responsibility, and heart.
I also look forward to growing this initiative each year. Reaching more people, raising more awareness, and expanding the impact. The more we can do, the more lives we can touch—and that’s what motivates me to keep going.
To anyone considering volunteering or supporting a cause like this, I can honestly say: it will change you. It gives you a sense of purpose that goes beyond yourself. It connects you to the world in a way that’s real, human, and lasting.
As the holidays come around each year, I don’t just think about what I might receive—I think about what we can give together. And that’s what I look forward to most.
Because in the end, it’s not just a donation drive—it’s a bridge between communities, a shared act of kindness, and a reminder that even small efforts can create lasting change.
By Iryn Montgomery (Canada)– Volunteer, Uganda Childcare Development Program
