SALT LAKE CITY – A struggling nonprofit in Salt Lake City faced an unexpected obstacle after thieves broke into the building and stole more than $ 4,000 in donations.
The people of Ouelessebougou, Mali, have a unique connection with Salt Lake City – their twin town – thanks to the Oulessebougou Alliance, but their efforts have been thwarted by some greedy grins.
“It’s our 35th anniversary this year, so our virtual auction is the start of this celebration,” said General Manager Judy Hut.
Like many nonprofits, the Ouelessebougou Alliance has come up with some steep mountains to survive the pandemic with a slump in donations.
“Every dollar counts,” said Hut. “We just need everything to run our health and education programs.”
Hut stated the nonprofit provides vital services to some of the poorest of the poor in Mali, Africa, and focused on its namesake, the small village of Ouelessebougou, featured in a 2016 video as KSL TV with the charity traveled there.
“It’s not just about giving things to people and giving them things and, you know, leaving,” Hut said. “It’s about training them, educating them and lifting them out of poverty.”
The organization struggled to rise after being robbed of more than $ 4,000 in donations.
“Oh, it was devastating,” said Hut. “I mean, we have this event, this is our annual fundraiser.”
Thieves broke in and stole more than $ 4,000 in donations from the Oulessebougou Alliance, says executive director Judy Hut. (Photo: KSL TV)
Thieves searched the office Friday night looking for prices for the virtual auction. It was all wrapped in baskets and ready to be picked up by the winners on Saturday morning.
“Mostly just about everything here. They just kind of picked and went shopping,” said Hut. “You pulled jewelry and pulled a shoe.”
Hut suspected the thieves knew what they were going to find before breaking into the building.
“I think so, or they are just the happiest people alive who broke them that night,” she said.
Hut said they had other small businesses replace some of the stolen gifts that they had already donated.
“Small restaurants like the Provisions Restaurant or small shops like Dance Cranes, places that also had problems this year, but are still generous and give us something,” said Hut.
I love people. You work so hard and deserve it so much. They only live in circumstances that they cannot control.
–Judy Hut, Executive Director of the Oulessebougou Alliance
It was this kind of giving that inspired Hut to continue her efforts to uplift the people of Mali.
“I love people,” said Hut. “They work so hard and they deserve it. They only live under circumstances that they cannot control.”
Anyone who wants to find out more about the Ouelessebougou mission or * would like to donate to the cause can do so on their website.
* Disclaimer: KSL.com has not checked the accuracy of the information provided in relation to the account, nor does KSL.com guarantee that the funds deposited will be used for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering making a deposit or donation, you should consult your own advisor and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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