…gives out gifts to participants
By Grace Nwafor
It was a moment of joy, celebration and show of love as Olive Grange Foundation treated the Pupils of St. George Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Ado Ekiti to an all entertaining Christmas Carol Party in the spirit of yuletide.
At the party held within the school premises, the children wined, dine and danced to different musics while they got different gifts beyond their expectations.
In her message to the occasion, the Executive Director, Olive Grange Foundation, Dr. Aderonke Oshungbohun affirmed that the Christmas giving outreach to children is a tangible expression of Christ’s love, meeting both physical and emotional needs while sharing the hope of the gospel.
According to her, by offering gifts and the message of Jesus’ birth, the foundation brings joy to children and families, reflecting God’s ultimate gift to humanity.
Also, a board member of the foundation, Dr. Ayodele Olumide noted that the Olive Grange Foundation for Children and Community Empowerment is committed to uplifting underprivileged communities and fostering growth through targeted interventions.
Dr. Ayodele explained that the foundation believes that access to basic necessities such as food and educational resources plays a pivotal role in empowering children and their families.
“Many families in Ekiti State face economic challenges, which can hinder children’s education and overall well-being. By addressing these needs, we aim to inspire hope, reduce hardship, and support the children in their educational journey, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to create lasting positive change in impoverished areas.
Addressing the gathering, the Project Manager of the Olive Grange Foundation, Moyinoluwa Ogundowole disclosed that the annual event is targeted at giving sense of belonging to the vulnerable ones especially those in the rural areas.
Her words, “According to our mandate at Olive Grange Foundation, we believe that God blessed us so that we can bless other people and that’s why we are always having activities like this annually to support those we feel are indigent in the society.
“For this year, we decided to give writing materials, bags, milk, note books, beverages, biscuits, Toothpaste/Brush and other things.”
“Aside that, we normally have some project we implement such as provision of portable water for schools that don’t have water.”
“We targeted vulnerable children; at least those items will mean something to them during this festive period. The memory of seeing and receiving gifts from Father Christmas is another experience that excites them.”
Moyinoluwa Ogundowole urged the Ekiti State government, NGOs, philanthropists, and caring individuals to keep celebrating the children and creating opportunities for them to lead fulfilling lives. Each year, the office of the governor’s wife, along with the government, hosts an annual Christmas party for children in the state. It’s a good act that we should all embrace, as we all have a role to play.
On her part, the Head Teacher, St. George Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Adeyemi Moyosola Abiodun, commended the effort of the foundation in bringing their initiative to the school, stating that the writing materials and other gift items would go a long way in encouraging the children at the start of a new term.
She further called on organizations of like minds to continue in their effort towards impacting positively in the society.
The Community Mobilizer of the foundation, Temitope Ayodele, shared that while we initially targeted four primary schools—St. George’s, St. Michael’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Fidelis’ N/P School in Ado-Ekiti—neighboring schools joined in, and community members brought their children when they saw what was happening. We were able to share gifts with everyone, reaching over 500 children in total. I wish the good people of the state and Nigeria a Merry Christmas and encourage everyone to celebrate the yuletide season to the fullest.
Some of the children who spoke with our correspondent, appreciated the foundation for the support and prayed God to continue to be with them.
