The organizations are currently governed by a committee of seven directors who make up the Executive Board. These dedicated members work as trustees under Save African Child Uganda and SACU Non-profit to support the activities of our organizations.
Rick Vriesen ⋅
“EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER!”
President (Canada). Rick is an Engineering Manager who is nearing retirement. He has been involved with SACU for years, but recently has stepped in to be of great value to SACU. He is working closely with Ivan Nsera as they plan for the future of the school.
Ingrid Heugh ⋅
“WALKS ON WINDY DAYS ARE MY FAVORITE.”
Sponsorship outreach (Canada). Ingrid is a retired teacher and taught for 33 years for Greater Essex County District School Board. First thing she wanted to do when she retired in 2015 was to go to Uganda to see her sponsored children. She has since returned for a second time last fall (2017). Ingrid became involved in 2012 when she was inspired by Geri Sutts.
Elaine Johnson ⋅
“ICE CREAM AT 9 AM! — ONLY AT NANNY’S HOUSE.”
Secretary & Communication (Canada). Elaine is a retired Early Childhood Educator with 30 years experience with the City of Windsor. She is a mother of 2 with 4 grandchildren. Elaine who visited Uganda in Nov 2018 with Betty Westfall, became involved with SACU in 2017. She set up our website, Facebook page, Instagram & sponsorship records. This diligent lady forwards pictures & reports of the children to sponsors and assists with fundraising efforts.
Betty Westfall ⋅
“LOVING THE TEAMWORK AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE.”
Treasurer (Canada). Betty is a retired nurse, a mother of three and a grandmother to 6 & lives in LaSalle. She and her daughter met Geri Sutts in 2009 while planning a volunteer trip to Guatemala. Two years later, they became inspired once again by Geri’s vision of SACU. They visited Uganda in 2012 Natalie (who is also a nurse) assessed the health of the SACU children and treated their immediate medical needs. Betty is now the the Treasurer and is responsible for collecting & sending sponsorship funds for the operation of SACU.
Kathy Vriesen ⋅
“YOU WILL FIND ME IN THE GARDEN.”
Committee Member (Canada). Kathy is a biblical counselor who lives in LaSalle. She is a mother to two grown children. Kathy has been involved in SACU since 2012 after listening to Geri Sutts speak about the school. Kathy manages our newsletter communications, so if you get a special note in your newsletter. It was her or Rick ;).
Cheryl Rutgers ⋅
“MAKE YOUR BLESSINGS COUNT!”
Committee Member (Canada). Cheryl has been married to her husband John for 42 years. They have lived in Leamington their whole lives. Cheryl is a retired teacher who worked 21 years for Greater Essex County District School Board. She has three grown children and nine grandchildren. Cheryl is active in Faith Reformed Church’s Mission Team. She visited Uganda and the SACU School in the summer of 2013 on a two week mission trip.
Chad Nick Desisto ⋅
“I LIKE SCULPTING SNOWMEN INTO PEOPLE.”
Committee Member (USA). In 2012 Chad Nick was driven to venture to Uganda to begin supporting SACU at the intersection of sustainable design, technology, community development, justice and behavior change. Chad Nick is a transdisciplinary designer and researcher, holding a BFA in Architecture and Experience and an MDES in Design Strategy and Innovation.