Rotarian Mario Matos held us in awe as he recounted his journey to become the founder and president of “A Hand Up Group Inc.” Starting as a participant in Global mission trips, his dedication to helping others grew to a point where he himself now organizes groups to build and repair housing, principally in the Dominican Republic. Mario described the plight of Haitian refugees working the Dominican’s sugar fields as akin to slavery. A expert tradesman, Mario teaches skills that will free them to work in industry. The Group also addresses food insecurity so prevalent in the area. A Hand Up Group will accept corded power tools and cash donations to support its work. Mario will be leading a trip in the foreseeable future and invited interested volunteers to get in touch with him. 