It is constantly evolving, learning from its own mistakes and "rolling with the changes".
The timeline below shows a brief history of how it began, marking highlights and milestones over the years. The process of creating Kwagala Foundation hasn't been an easy one, but it has been a passionate one.
May 2006: Katie returns from her first trip to Uganda, approaching friends and family with a modest request for support for children she met while there. At $10 per month, interest is immediately garnered.
June 2006: Steps to create Kwagala Foundation are taken with the suggestion of "making this official" by a family member. Katie approaches Leigh about starting a non-profit organization.
Dec 2006: Kwagala Foundation holds it first (semi) annual benefit concert in Winnipeg, MB with local bands playing free sets.
April 2007: Katie returns to Uganda with a family member.
-12 children sponsored at this time.
January 2008:
-CBC Radio Winnipeg interviews Kwagala members.
-Winnipeg Sun runs a Page 2 article on Kwagala Foundation
-Second Benefit Show held, reaching maximum capacity at Winnipeg's Pyramid Cabaret - again with local musicians.
May 2008:
-Katie returns to Uganda with two volunteers. Child sponsorship has reached 20 sponsors by the end of the trip.
-Moses is hired as Kwagala's Ugandan correspondent
-Pig It Forward Program established
December 2008:
Moses flies to Canada to visit Kwagala's Canadian office.
January 2009:
The Uniter (University of Winnipeg student newspaper) runs an article on Kwagala Foundation.
Third Benefit held; a wine-tasting event. Over $2500 raised to support Kwagala Foundation.
April 2009:
-Katie returns to Uganda with three volunteers.
-Volunteers help to construct a new house for a villager. House is finished within six weeks.
-Number of children sponsored exceeds thirty.
-Establishment of women's group Melissa Group
July 2009:
Kwagala's first annual newsletter printed
December 2009:
Local Winnipeg shops begin promoting and selling jewellery made by Kwagala Foundation's women's cooperative Melissa Group.
April 2010:
-Fourth Benefit Show is held; maximum capacity is reached. Over $2000 raised for Kwagala
-Katie returns to Uganda with a volunteer.
-Construction for a well begins, and is completed 4 weeks later.
-After School / Tutoring Program established
-Sewing Program established
July 2010:
-Kwagala Foundation's second annual newsletter is printed
-Sponsorship exceeds 45 children
August 2010:
-Blog launched
December 2010:
-Moses returns to Canada for a second visit
May 2011:
-Leigh takes her first trip to Uganda and has the pleasure of meeting everyone in Kyababeezi
