The Society of St. Vincent De Paul, SSVP, Amuwo Odofin Conference spread joy, happiness and love around and beyond their community when the society organised a Charity fair for Persons Living with Disabilities to celebrate the yuletide season. The event was well attended by these special persons as they are usually referred to, who came from far and near to take part in the exceptional annual fun event. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Ebele Wariboko, President, SSVP, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Conference, Amuwo Odofin said that the purpose of the annual Charity fair is to give the physically and mentally challenged a sense of wellbeing, as they come together to be themselves and have fun moments. She said: “At Our Mother of Perpetual Help Conference, we invite people with different challenges to come together, showcase their ability, even in their disability because as we have witnessed it, they have lots of talents. The essence of organising this charity fair is to give them a sense of belonging, make them happy and know that God loves them. “We have orphanages and organisations that care for the mentally challenged who have children that are very normal. We see different categories of people who ordinarily might not be privileged to attend parties hosted by supposedly rich or normal people. So, this is where they can be themselves, as this party is just for them.”
On government’s role in caring for persons living with disabilities, she said: “I have found out that making policies is not the problem. The biggest problem is in the implementation. We have a lot of wonderful policies for these people, but the problem is always in the implementation. Our prayer is that the right people be in the right places and get things done.” Calling on well-meaning Nigerians to care for persons living with disabilities, she said, it is the basis of judgment to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit those in hospital, among other works of mercy. Appreciating the parishioners and pastoral team of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Amuwo Odofin, she said: “The parishioners and friends have been wonderful; they have been supporting the cause of charity in a way that is unimaginable. The pastoral team go out of their way to bring their own money, organise and talk about charity and make sure that we do the work to the glory of God.” According to Wariboko, the fair, which dates back to 2006 is catering to over 10 homes, with the support of Truecare Foundation.
She said: “True Care Foundation (Slogan TCF, we Care) is a registered NGO formed by Jolly Good Fellows, who in one of their moments of joy recognized that most people were not as fortunate as themselves. They decided to do something about making a difference. Currently, they are registered with CAC and no work of Charity has been foreign to them. Apart from partnering with St. Vincent De Paul Society of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Conference, Amuwo Odofin in their work of Charity, they also undertake other projects like visit to hospitals and making payments for indigent patients, sponsorship of orphans, accommodation for Widows, especially those with underage children. “The positive impact of this Jolly Good Fellows has been felt in and around Amuwo Odofin for the past 11 years they have been on board. Their Headquarter is at Synergy Suites and Hotel, Amuwo Odofin and their Current Chairperson is Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Austin Njoku.” Some of the homes present at the fair included Lady Atinuje Oyindamola Memorial Home for the Mentally Challenged, Badagry, Lagos, Bakhita: St. Louis Empowerment Network, an International NGO that takes care of survivors of human trafficking, an Initiative of Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem SSL through whom the Sisters of St. Louis Nigeria Province began the noble venture.
