'A chance for a new life': MHA Eddie Joyce's annual trip to help children in Uganda

Independent MHA Eddie Joyce is keeping with tradition by visiting Uganda this December.

He's made the trip each year since 2017. His first was after getting involved with the Newfoundland-based volunteer group Helping Orphans Prosper through Education (HOPE).

Joyce, who represents the district of Humber-Bay of Islands, has helped raise thousands for the effort over the years. Some include donations from his constituents.

This year, he's working alongside the Apex Impact Foundation, founded by Corner Brook's Dr. Justin French and Giselle French. The group delivers clothes, food, sports equipment and more.

"When they see you, and you see how much they want you there and how much they love you, how much they respect what we're doing, they're so appreciative," Joyce told CBC News from Uganda in early December. "They have a chance for a new life."

Part of Joyce's work is helping people affected by Tunga penetrans — a species of flea that can burrow into the foot.

The Apex Impact Foundation donated $10,000 US to Uganda-based organization Sole Hope, which helps children with Tunga penetrans, Joyce said.

"It's just unbelievable, the state, the sadness. But the biggest part is when you see the smile on their faces after they're pain free," he said.

"When you see kids pain free, when you see seniors with no food get four to five months, six months worth of food dropped off, when you see that, it's rewarding."

Joyce had spent his last three Christmases in Uganda before this year, and hopes to make more trips in the future.

He said he's proud to see other groups from Newfoundland and Labrador, like HOPE, the Bonavista Mission Team and Team Broken Earth continuing to make strides in helping better people's lives in the African country.

"This is not just about us doing it, this is a big venture by a lot of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who want to spread a lot of good joy around the world," Joyce said.

"It's rewarding when we all come together and we see the results."

LISTEN | Hear Eddie Joyce's interview with Newfoundland Morning's Bernice Hillier:

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