By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
In celebration of Christmas season, the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East, in partnership with EAP Consult, has put smiles on the faces of children with cancer at the Rigde hospital in Accra. The children received gifts from members of the club in an initiative dubbed the "Box of Joy".
Christmas: A season of giving
The Box of Joy initiative is an annual event hosted by the Rotary club of Accra Legon East and its partners. Under the project, they distribute gift for both the children and their caregivers. The gesture is meant to provide some emotional upliftment during the Christmas season.
Partners donates cash and More
Again, the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East also made a cash donation of GH¢30,000 to the hospital to support its operations. The club also donated a variety of medical supplies and assorted items to further aid the hospital in its ongoing fight against childhood cancer.
These contributions are part of the club’s broader commitment to improving healthcare and supporting vulnerable communities in Ghana.
Point of view by the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East
The President of the Rotary club of Accra Legon East, Peter Osei-Asamoah said the exercise is bring light and love to the children, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.
“As it was said by one of our Past District Governor of Rotary, he said that when God raises your standard of living, he wants you to raise your standard of giving”.
Effort towards a memorable Christmas
According to the Rotary President, the initiative dubbed “Box of joy” represents the club effort and that of their collaborators to supporting those in need.
“We are not saying we have enough or more than enough but what we are saying is that at least we have been blessed with good health and something to eat at home..so its also a very good time to remember that we also have our brave ones here who are going through one or two challenges and needs our support”
Appreciation from the Ridge Hospital
The Head of the Child Health Care at the Ridge Hospital, Dr. Marie-Charlene Kilba lauded the initiative from the Rotary club of Accra Legon East and EAP consult.
“We use to think to do a Christmas party for the children to have fun but we have realized that was a couple of hours of joy and they go back home. So we went away from the typical Christmas party for them for something that could have a more lasting impact in their household”.
Meeting the Expectation
According to Dr. Marie-Charlene Kilba, the contributions from the two partners towards the initiative has been great and the centre now have enough which is more than what they expected.
EAP Consult speaks on sustainability
The Chief Executive of EAP Consult, Mr. Emmanuel Sessou said the box of joy project is not going to be a one off collaboration with the Rotary club of Accra legion East but rather a continuous one.
Mr. Sessou recounted past projects which has been undertaken at the hospital and stress their continuous commitment “ our doors are always opened.. we are very strong on charity and corporate Social Responsibility because what God blesses us with is not for us alone but for humanity.
A Mothers point of view
A mother at the centre thanked the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East and EAP consult for choosing the oncology department for the initiate. “ we really appreciate, you have put smiles on our faces.. Christmas is about joy but sometimes .. going through all this its not an easy task.. the pain and sometimes when we see them enjoying, you don't feel like going home “.
Conclusion
This gesture is just one of many in a series of philanthropic activities organized by the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East throughout the year.