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Our Story
Originally named after Joanna’s grandfather, The H.O.G Heaven Charity Foundation was established by Joanna Giles in
memory of her Grandfather, Hew O'Halloran Giles (1889 - 1987)Since then HOG has evolved into an acronym for Helping others Grow.
Joanna's ancestors were an integral part of what makes Adelaide, South Australia great today. As a child Hew's family home
in Mitcham was gifted to the state as an orphanage when they moved to North Adelaide.
On researching her history, Joanna found this was just the tip of the iceberg... Joanna, a native of South Australia has come
from a long family history of philanthropy and since her return to Australia, has continued their work to raise money to help others grow.
The H.O.G Heaven Charity Foundation was created to carry on the same great works and traditions established by the Barr
Smith family for those less fortunate.
Formed in Arizona, USA, 2000, The Hog Heaven Charity Foundation aims to provide support in places of most need. We
directly encourage, educate, enhance living standards and create a brighter future for children and families throughout the world.
Inspired by the commitment of World Youth International, Joanna made her own commitment and as a part of a wonderful
team they achieved their goal to build a school in Gokarna, Nepal which opened in 1999.
In 2000 Joanna visited Nepal again in order to make a documentary on 3 groups of quiet achievers who are indeed making a
difference to the lives they touch. The H.O.G Heaven Charity Foundation was very proud to be able to assist with the next
stage which was to build an orphanage next door. The Sapana Dreaming Children’s Home was opened in September 2001
and provides shelter, clothing, education and a loving home environment for up to 50 children. Joanna Giles was asked if she
would be the Patron of the Sapana Dreaming Home – a position she cherishes to this day. Sponsorship of children to attend
the World Youth International School or the Sapana Children’s Home is highly encouraged.
In 2002 Joanna returned to Australia with her children and continued her drive to make a difference, with projects in Kashmir
supported by Scotch College in Adelaide with a teddy bear drive in 2003 . This turned into a calendar of events generously
supported by local South Australians. Continued lunches, dinners and fashion nights for Nepal and Bangladesh, a
spontaneous fundraiser for the tsunami victims of Sri Lanka in 2005, have raised thousands of desperately needed dollars
and helped literally hundreds of children and their families. There is no price to high for hope, and hope can come in something as simple as a pencil, or a fishing dingy.
Support for the “hands on” approach of our Committee and what H.O.G. Heaven stands for has meant branches have
opened in Noosa and Sydney. Everyone is welcome to get involved.
In February 2006 Joanna was in Adelaide after a comprehensive (self funded) trip to distribute funds raised thus far.
We look forward to posting a documentary of her journey here as soon as we can, along with the distribution accounting of
funds, as the projects are truly heart moving.
"What we do for ourselves dies with us, what we do for another, lives on forever".
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try going to bed with a mosquito!!
Thank you for your support, together we can indeed make a difference.
On behalf of the many children in Nepal, Kashmir, Ski Lanka, Bangladesh and Kenya who have received
much needed help through those who give ~ A Big Thank you xxx
Sincerely and with great faith,
THE H.O.G HEAVEN CHARITY FOUNDATION (Australia)Board
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