Mother Theresa Children's Home, Abuja: Recipient of Goodwill

Pusong Pinoy Association

The annual gift-giving of the Filipino community in Abuja through its association, Pusong Pinoy was held last Sunday March 3, 2013.  The present set of officers John, Sheen, Andrea, Sherwin, Mercy, Gel and James  worked hard so as to give something back to the host country and spearheaded this campaign. 

The previous years' gift-giving had always been in the outskirts of Abuja - to the needy families in the villages, this year the donations were given to an orphanage consisting of provisions - milk, Milo, packs of juice and fruit drinks, disposable diapers, bag of rice, toilet rolls,bags of soap, etc.  

MOTHER  THERESA CHILDREN’S HOME, ABUJA

Location:  House 6, Road 353, Off 35 Road, 3rd Avenue, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.
The orphanage was founded in 2007 as a non-profit organization by former media executive, Chief Yeye Bolanle Philippa Dare, and was officially commissioned on December 21, 2007 by the then Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, the Most Reverend Dr. John Onaiyekan (now Cardinal Onaiyekan). 

The orphanage is named after Madame Dare’s heroine and model, Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

It was to this orphanage that the officers of Pusong Pinoy Association with some members of the community who were able to join embarked on. As early as 8:00 am on Sunday morning, officers and friends trooped to the PPA president’s house John Hernandez in Julius Berger Life Camp. The goods which were previously bought and arranged were carried down and loaded into  two JBN buses and Stan's pick-up and were eventually taken to the orphanage.

At the orphanage, the children seemed to be well-adjusted and sociable and used to people visiting them. They laughed and played and displayed their antics as only children can do.

Chief Yeye Bolanle Philippa Dare: '...my goal is to give the best care and love to these children until they reach maturity and get married and have families of their own...'

These are the children – the most vulnerable of Nigeria’s (and all the countries) under-privileged group.  As Lito Nucom, a former PPA president put it:’…sure they need all these material things, but they need more the hugs and the warmth and love of parents…’ in which Mme Yeye's orphanage is trying to provide.

At Prez John's house, a hearty breakfast of arroz caldo was served - 'filling the tank' to carry the load : Sherwin, Vernie and Rex

...and the load is easier to carry when there is 'tulungan': Sherwin, Gel, Lito, James, Rex, Vernie, John

...more items: Angie, Sherwin, Lito and Gel

Rex, Stan arranging the goods in the vehicles

...making sure the water dispenser won't tumble...Stan in his Toyota pick-up

At the site: MOTHER  THERESA CHILDREN’S HOME, ABUJA

...a pregnant woman's painting and pictures of babies adorn the wall leading to the children's rooms

...at the orphanage, the goods were packed neatly: Gel, Tess, Vernie, Rex and Angie

...some of the wards...

PPA President John Hernandez handing over to the founder Mme Yeye the provisions and other items  for the children

Madame Yeye signed the acceptance of the goods: Here shown with John Hernandez

Mme. Yeye, the statuesque lady is a gutsy businesswoman, a politician, an entrepreneur, a chief, a natural mother to her own kids and much more has this most wonderful title:  Mother of the Motherless

Mme. Yeye shown with the present officers of PPA: John,  Sheen, Gel,  Sherwin,  Mercy and James; and with the rest of the Filipinos who found time to join in this gift-giving event.

Homeward bound....after a very fruitful Sunday morning bringing joy  to children