So...
We managed to host one of the biggest outreach events that FreeHands has done yet. We decided to hold the drive at multiple locations. After discussions with volunteer coordinators (some offered to host, some were 'coaxed'), we agreed on four locations at Amuwo, Anthony/Mende, Jakande/Lekki and Surulere.
Here are some photos from each of the locations.
AMUWO
The Amuwo edition happened inside Lakeview Estate II, Amuwo Odofin, G.R.A. We drove down the main estate road and wondered where the children in need were. Massive houses lined the streets. Soon as we sounded the 'bell of blessing', kids poured out from the shacks behind the mansions. About 180 kids received different items from the FreeHands Group. It was a truly amazing experience.
Some of the items we packed into the bags.
Arrival of the kids. We organized them according to the age/classes.
Chisom, Ife and Tope helped with crowd control, marking the kids' fingers so they won't deprive other children of the gifts.
Logistics: making sure the giving went smoothly.
"Uncle, Give me. I've not collected!!!"; "Auntie, me! me! me!"
Happy kids of Lakeview
Volunteers are AWESOME!!!
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| Added Bonus: I met this awesome young lady who's my name sake. Love! I pray she grows into an amazing woman, impacting society and living a happy, healthy and prosperous life. Amen! |
ANTHONY/MENDE
The Mende team, led by Taiye, Ekua and Lara set up their fancy canopy close to one of the 01 Shawarma outlets. The rain prevented this group from starting out on time. Volunteers poured in soon after the rain stopped. Some passed by and joined in the fun. Notable residents of the community showed up to appreciate the work FreeHands was doing, and to pledge their commitment to the 'cause'. Most importantly, the children came, and they were blessed.
The tables are set. Come on kids!
A different kind of party souvenir. Spot the 'AsoEbi' wearers in the photo
The kids write their names on the Thank You Notes.
Happy kids, ready for the next year of school!
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| Some of the kids showed up late, after this team had run out of freebies. They received a nice motivational speech about time management. :) |
Happy Volunteers are the best. Thanks folks!
LEKKI
The Lekki team, led by Yeside, Cynthia, MaryEsther and Dammie, had to wait out the rain for about two hours! But they were determined to touch the lives of the children in the Jakande area of Lekki. Many thanks for the RCCG church there, for letting us use their premises for our outreach. Two members of the volunteer team still snuck to the market that morning for more school bags and stationery. About 200 children went home excited!
The Lekki team also spearheaded FreeHands' contribution to a Continuing Education project that we found at www.iamdynamiteng.com. Titi 'The Dynamite' Oyinsan is coordinating a project to send 30 girls to school. We donated some fancy back packs to support the cause.
Backpacks for IAMDYNAMITENG.
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| Dammie and MaryEsther with Titi, when they delivered the bags on Wednesday. |
Then on Saturday...
On your marks!
Get Set!
GIVE!!!
Volunteers hard at work
MaryEsther, with a shy recepient.
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| The day isn't done without the Volunteer 'Usie'! |
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| We saved some items for the kids in the church that opened their doors for us! |
SURULERE
Naomi did a fantastic job of coordinating the Surulere branch of the outreach. They had two locations! Many many thanks to Concept Group Limited, for donating Bags, Mathematical Sets and Exercise Books towards the Surulere outreach. Employees of the company also worked as volunteers and put smiles on the faces of over 150 kids. amazing!
Some of the items received; Volunteers packing them ready for distribution
Excited Children, happy about their new bags!
And of course, the volunteers rocked the day!
This VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU goes out to all of you helped us raise almost N900,000 for this project, and to those who made it happen successfully by volunteering, spreading the word, doing the leg work, making all the noise on social media, etc. More than 600 children received Backpacks, Notebooks, Writing Materials, Food packs, Water Bottles, Mathematical Sets, Biscuits, Caprisonne, etc.
Food For Thought:
"Giving can't be about what you have been given. It is also not about finding people who 'deserve' it. We give because God has given us unconditionally. We give because we can." - Dammie.
Posted by 'Mide,
For: FreeHands
