Established in 2007
Hugs for Ghana
Global Efforts
Hugs for Ghana (HFG) was established in 2007 by Rachel Bervell when she was a high school student at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, WA. As the first "Hugs for" site, the Hugs for Ghana project has been in existence for 10+ years and has now become the standard model for all other Hugs sites.
The first donation drive project that Hugs for Ghana ever held was a Teddy Bear drive at Kamiak High School in 2007, leading to the collection of over 1,000 stuffed animals. These teddy bears were hand-delivered to students at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. In 2009 Hugs for Ghana continued the focus on stuffed animals and collected 6,000+ stuffed animals which were subsequently donated to Princess Marie Hospital, Labadi Hospital, and Hobor Elementary School.
Since then, numerous other item donation drives and philanthropic undertakings have been conducted. Hugs for Ghana members have led medical supply drives through the "Health Initiative," donated sports equipment to students in Tikobo village, and collected thousands of school supplies for Ghanaian children. Read more about our origins here.
Local Efforts
Hugs for Ghana is committed to helping the local community. Every year students have planned volunteer projects through the local aspect of Hugs for Ghana called 'H.U.G.S.' (Helping U Grow Stronger).
Each year students hold retirement home concerts, volunteer at Christmas House, organize benefit concerts, conduct car washes, and culminate the year with the Ghanaian Culture Night. Learn more about these projects in the local projects tab.
Today, Hugs for Ghana branches have been established at numerous high school sites such as Inglemore High School and Newport High School. In Mukilteo, Hugs for Ghana is so ingrained in the community that the city holds an annual Hugs for Ghana Day on March 18. Do you want to start a branch of Hugs for Ghana at your high school? Learn how here.