Backstory
Sometime in March 2024, the Cheshire Home in Port Harcourt was renovated. This was made possible by the REACH Nigeria Foundation’s collaboration with Burna Boy’s Spaceship Collective.
Owing to the current economic downturn impacting donor contributions and support to the Cheshire Home, it has drastically impacted the facility operations and resident livelihoods who are People living with disabilities (PwDs). As a follow-on support, through the Foundation, Burna Boy, sponsored an outreach visit to Cheshire Homes for the Disabled. This visit, held on October 18, 2024, served as a lifeline for the home’s residents, with essential provisions and heartfelt support shared in an afternoon marked by gratitude and joy.
Extending a Hand of Support
Arriving at 3:00 PM, REACH’s CEO Benedicta Ayerite, and Program Represenattive, Nelly Wongo were greeted by warm smiles and a touching reception from Cheshire Homes’ residents. The foundation’s partnership with Burna Boy has been instrumental in supporting vulnerable communities, and this visit underscored the importance of reaching out to those in need, particularly in challenging times.
Providing for Immediate Needs
On behalf of Burna Boy, REACH Nigeria Foundation presented a generous array of essential items, selected to meet the residents’ everyday needs. These included staple foods, hygiene products, and condiments to enhance their quality of life:
- Food Supplies: 1 bag of rice, 1 bag of garri, half a bag of beans, 20 tubers of yam, and a bag of salt
- Hygiene and Household Essentials: A dozen tubes of toothpaste, 1 carton of antiseptic soap, and 1 carton of detergent
- Condiments and Cooking Supplies: 1 carton of tomato paste, 1 carton of seasoning cubes, 25 kg of vegetable oil, and 30 kg of palm oil
- Other Essentials: 1 carton of Cadbury chocolate powder to bring a touch of delight
Additionally, Burna Boy contributed a cash donation of N200,000 to further support the home’s ongoing needs.
A Warm Reception from the Residents
The residents of Cheshire Homes expressed immense gratitude for the support, with words of thanks and prayers shared with those who made the visit possible. This assistance is a timely and impactful aid, easing some of their immediate challenges and providing a sense of relief in their daily lives. Their joy and appreciation were palpable, highlighting how much these gestures of support mean to the community.
Acknowledging Burna Boy’s Continued Commitment
REACH Nigeria Foundation extends its profound thanks to Burna Boy for his commitment to uplifting Nigeria’s vulnerable communities. His dedication, combined with REACH’s mission of empowering and aiding those most in need, is helping make a tangible difference in the lives of many. This visit to Cheshire Homes is yet another testament to the power of collaboration and empathy in fostering hope and resilience among society’s most underserved.
Through the kindness and generosity shared, REACH Nigeria Foundation and Burna Boy are not only meeting immediate needs but also reinforcing a message of solidarity and care for the disabled community in Cheshire Homes.
