KTRV Fox 12 Summer of Hope Benefits Filipino Orphans
Boise, Idaho -- Imagine living a life of crime and prostitution. That's reality for orphans in the Philippines as they're forced to fend for themselves at the young age of 16.
But a new program in Boise hopes to bring them here to meet potential adoptive families. A Nampa family is working to make that happen by giving them a Summer of Hope.
Ricky Hambleton, 7, and his 5-year-old sister, Hollie, love playing together in the yard of their Nampa home. But in about a month, the pair will become a trio. A 10-year-old orphan from the Philippines will be staying with them through July.
"It'll be nice so we can play with him and it'll be fun," said Ricky.
"He could have his own bedroom when he sleeps and that he would have so much fun here," said Hollie.
Their parents are involved in the Summer of Hope program, a non-profit Christian organization that's bringing four older orphans from the Philippines to live with families in the valley.
During their month-long stay, the children will be introduced to potential adoptive families. In the Philippines, orphans are forced to fend for themselves at the age of 16, often turning to a life of crime and prostitution.
"Hopefully we'll make a difference in his life and give him hope," said Linda Hambleton, a host mother.
But the cost to bring each orphan to the states is $3,000, money that's being raised through the Hope Walk this Saturday, a fund-raising event that touches the heart of the president of the Filipino American Association of Idaho.
"I've seen the situation of the kids, the orphans and the poverty area," said Floyd Bea, President of Fil-Am Idaho.
Bea plans to host an orphan next summer. As for the Hambleton's, they can't wait for their new addition, hoping to turn his Summer of Hope into a lifetime of opportunities.
"Hopefully this will help them find that forever family and things would go great for them," said Rob Hambleton, a host father.
The Summer of Hope program began five years ago in Bozeman, Mont. Since then, it has expanded to Billings, Baltimore, and now Boise. It's been very successful with 58 out of 67 kids adopted so far.
If you'd like to walk in Saturday's event or just donate to the cause, we've posted a link with more information under NewsLinks.
