VCO FOUNDATION BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO ANAMBRA ORPHANAGES
Ekwuluobia, Anambra State, Nigeria
The Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to community service by hosting a Christmas outreach programme at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ekwulobia on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The event, which welcomed children from nine orphanage and welfare homes across Anambra State, was a testament to the foundation’s dedication to supporting the less privileged during the festive season.
Among the homes that participated in the programme were:
• Divine Mercy Compassion Home/Orphanage, Amawbia
• St. Martins Community Children/Welfare Home, Igboukwu, Aguata LGA
• Late Wilfred Belonwu Memorial Orphanage, Nimo
• Chimma Community Children’s Home, Awka
• Umunna Onitsha South Community Children’s Home
• Mary Mother of Christ Compassionate Home
• Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu
• Faith Community Children’s Home, St Faith Anglican Cathedral, Awka
• Model Community Children’s Home, Awka
Speaking at the event, Valentine Ozigbo, founder of the VCO Foundation, expressed his gratitude to Very Rev Fr. Alphonsus Ezeoke, the Cathedral Administrator, for his support. Ozigbo reiterated the foundation’s vision of not only providing material aid but also amplifying awareness about the struggles of underprivileged and physically challenged individuals. He described the care of children as a divine obligation and a meaningful investment in the nation’s future.
Fr. Alphonsus Ezeoke commended the foundation’s efforts and lauded the dedication of orphanage administrators. He encouraged the children to focus on their education and remain disciplined, assuring them of a brighter future with determination and hard work.
Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, representative of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, shared a moving testimony about the foundation’s impactful support in 2020 after her home faced a tragic loss of many children. She also highlighted the growing issue of fraudulent orphanages, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting.
Sir Izuchukwu Oraelosi, General Manager of the VCO Foundation, shared insights into the foundation’s journey, from hosting leadership and entrepreneurial programmes in 2011 to disbursing over 400 million naira in support for Anambra State and beyond.
The programme featured educational presentations by children from the Sickle Cell Home, addressing stigma around Sickle Cell Disease, genotype awareness, and the dangers of quack medical practices. The children emphasized the need for societal acceptance and highlighted the challenges of employment discrimination faced by those with the SS genotype.
In her appreciation speech, Sister Clemencio, speaking on behalf of the homes, described the foundation’s activities as a beacon of hope during difficult times. She cited Luke 14:12-14, commending the foundation’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged.
The event concluded with the distribution of essential items, including:
• Bags of rice
• Cartons of tomato paste and mayonnaise
• Stationery, umbrellas, and snacks
• Cash donations to each home
Notable attendees included Fr. Emmanuel Okpalaonwuka, the Chaplain of Orphanages in Ekwulobia Diocese, Fr. Kizito Umennadi of Oko Parish, Barr. Okwy Mmayie, Dr. Deka, Ambassador Justin Kingland, Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke, and Mr. Daniel Elombah. Special recognition was given to the Managing Directors of Gino Foods and Beloxxi Biscuit for their contributions to the outreach.
The VCO Foundation’s Christmas outreach underscores its mission of spreading love, fostering hope, and uplifting communities in need.
