Mallory McMillin

News Reporter

 

Surfing and snowboarding fans alike can share their interests at the events hosted by Light Gives Heat within the next few months.  

The non-profit, humanitarian group started in June 2007 when Morgan and Dave Hansow decided to adopt a child from Uganda. They were so moved by the displaced women and children of Uganda that they began promoting and fundraising for the group Invisible Children, which was the main inspiration of their own organization Light Gives Heat.

Dave said that the organizations purpose is “buying and reselling beautifully handcrafted paper-beaded jewelry here in America.” By doing so the organization has more than tripled the profit for these Uganda women. According to their website, their mission is, “Empowering Africans through the encouragement of economic sustainability.”

Though the group has little to do with surfing or snowboarding, they have teamed up with other organizations in order to achieve more awareness about who they are and what the do. The Light Gives Heat staff and volunteers have joined Jedidiah Clothing to make the first film for their event, called “Gum For My Boat,” which will be shown on Oct. 8 at the Light Gives Heat store, 2507 Weslo Ave.

According to Mary Kate Wise, an employee at Light Gives Heat, the film is “the most humanitarian of the four films.” It is a story of a surf club started in Bangladesh, where most of the people are actually afraid of the water. Children are taught to surf as a way to get them involved in an activity that will keep them off the streets. 

“Surfing was never part of this culture, but the kids really love it. It is a way to make them feel important,” Wise said. 

She spoke of one little boy featured in the film, who lives in a small shack-like house. The house is practically empty, with the exception of the six large surf trophies the boy keeps on a mantel, which “he and his mother are extremely proud of,” said Wise. 

According to Wise, “Double Decade,” which will be shown on Oct. 29, and “Picture This” which will be shown on Dec. 3, are snowboarding films. Light Gives Heat teamed up with both Powderhorn and Traz Snow and Skate for these artsy snowboarding films, which will draw more attention to Light Gives Heat. Powderhorn and Traz will be giving away free prizes, including free passes. 

“Cancer to Capricorn,” which will be shown on Nov. 19 is another surf film, which an employee of Light Gives Heat helped to create. The events are free. Wise estimated that around 300 people showed up for the films last year. She hopes that the outcome will be even larger this year.

Light Gives Heat encourages Mesa State students to get involved. They give several internships to students. This year they are all full, but they will “be more than happy to get Mesa student internships in January,” said Wise. They are always accepting donations and volunteers here and in Uganda. 

This small organization has created a great movement of hope, for both the women and children of Uganda, and people here in America. More information can be found on their web site at www.lightgivesheat.org, or by calling the store at 970.242.1958.

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mmmcmill@mesastate.edu