Catleya Award Recipient

Richard Spear (2005)

Richard Spear has made the Cali orphanage for girls his mission. The objectives of his efforts are to provide a stable living environment, and quality education for the young orphan girls of Cali.

Through his successful fund-raising efforts for the Cali Orphanage Fund he has raised over $300,000 from private donations as well as charitable foundation grants. The funds have also made it possible to expand the mission two other projects; the Mother of God orphanage that provides beds for 80 infants and most recently, the purchase of property in the countryside that will be home for children that are HIV positive.

After years of traveling through South America Richard decided he wanted to help in countries that needed the most help. He chose Colombia because of the vast suffering and the great need. Richard knew about Cali from a cousin who lived there for twenty years. Priests at Duquesne knew about his interest in mission work and suggested the Cali orphanage, which had been formed by the Rev. Kelvin Tam, a priest from Trinidad. Since his first visit to Cali, Richard knew it was the "right place." He embraces the warmth and optimism of its people and he calls it "his second home".

Richard works as director of intramural sports at Duquesne University and resides in Bridgeville with his wife Janet Southgate.

For more about the Cali Orphange Fund contact:
Richard Spear
AJ Palumbo Center
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh 15282
Phone: 412 396-6569