We Mourn the Loss of Hanley Denning
Click here to give to the Hanley Denning Memorial Fund.
Statement from Paul H. Sutherland,
Chairman of the Board
Dear Friends and Supporters
of Safe Passage:
It is my very sad duty to let
you know that we have lost the visionary founder of Safe Passage, Hanley
Denning. Hanley was fatally injured in an automobile accident
on Thursday, January 18, 2007, in Guatemala City.
Hanley’s passing is a deep
loss for her family. Their grief is shared by the staff, volunteers,
Board of Directors, children and families of Safe Passage, as well as
by the entire community of people who supported the work she so bravely
championed both in Guatemala and the USA. I, for one, feel so
blessed because I knew Hanley as a friend , co-worker and colleague.
We had talked about “what
if she died” a few times, and her thoughts were never for herself
or the worry of death’s uncertainty. No, her first comments
were always, “If I die, I think the staff would stay, they love the
children and are so committed. You make sure the school stays
open and they will be able to work. Lety, Ed, and all of the teachers,
the cooks, the social workers, every one of them… are so wonderful.”
Of course, then Hanley would tell me a story about a wonderful incident
involving a teacher or a cook and a child.
Hanley’s life was an inspiring
example of what one individual can accomplish in the cause of humanity
if they dedicate themselves, work hard, and stay the course through
headwinds and setbacks. Full of unbridled compassion, Hanley charged
forward, with heart, intelligence and remarkable stamina to the cause
of making the world a better place, one child, one family, one person
at a time.
As a young teacher, Hanley
saw the appalling poverty that defines the environs of the giant central
garbage dump in Guatemala City. She decided to make a difference,
not giving in to despair but working optimistically to build a remarkable
program to help lift children and their families towards a better life.
Through her dedication and those working beside her, 550 children
are in school, destined to become productive, working adults with a
hopeful future.
Safe Passage is in good hands,
and the program will continue and grow stronger in the same spirit that
Hanley brought to it. Of course, Safe Passage is an organization
that receives 100% of its support from volunteers and friends.
Each person who receives this letter is part of what makes Safe Passage
sustainable. Thank you to each of you for your support and love
of Hanley’s mission. We all loved her. Hanley will be deeply
missed.
