"WALKING" CHARITY

Writing a disclaimer often is very tedious and energy sapping, so i intend to keep this disclaimer as short as possible.......

Disclaimer

Certain people close to me may be quoted in this blog, in such cases they will be duly attributed. In any case where there be any resemblance of characters in my blog to real life, whether of persons, objects, or circumstances besides the ones who i attribute to are purely coincidental. Thank you!

WALKING CHARITY

Couple of weeks ago I, along side a number of my friends hosted a charity event for teenage orphans from an orphanage in rural town Gishiri, Abuja. It was a PHOTO POWER Initiative, with theme "Hope For Gishiri" .

My friend Yinka Taiwo came up with the vision and then requested our help to contribute into bringing that vision to fruition. Many people i spoke with about this project thought it a smart and thouthful idea but never believed a few youngsters like us could pull it off. That upsetted me greatly. Many people do not understand the plight of less priviledged people especially where it affects kids. Some are fortunate to have grown up in a home with two parents and many relations to help cater for their every need, thus they take such advantage for granted.

Well, pull if off we did, and may i add, remarkably well. This project ran for two weeks, we taught the teenage kids of the orphanage all aspects of photography. From camera functions to taking shots, editing to framing and so on. Several photographers volunteered to teach these kids and also take them on photo-walks around Abuja metropolis to take pictures of their sorroundings.

At the end of the photo taking sessions, the photographers helped teach them how to edit the best photos which were about 30 in all. They were framed afterward and we began to plan an exhibition to bring the project to a close. We contacted sponsors many of which supported in whatever way they could to the success of the event. Most of us emotionally blackmailed our parents and friends and bosses into supporting such a wonderful cause, and i might add, we really did get them.

We had intended to use the coutyard of the orphanage for the exhibition but decided against that for several reasons including the fact that many peolpe may not be able to easily find their way to the sub-ub where the orphanage is located. A well meaning supporter cleared his Art gallery situated in Wuse 2 right inside town and allowed us hang the photos taken by the kids for the exhibition and auction. It was a big event, even more than we had expected. Many people turned up and came with the intent of buying the photos and/or donating to support the orphans.

The auctioneer was a beautiful lady 'Lara" who gave such a perfect delivery that even people who had no intention of buying these Arts were gingered into doing so. And many who had planned to buy only one or two, ended up bidding for a couple of photos.

At the end of the auction, every one of the photos was sold! remarkable! We were greatly astounded by the love shown for our cause and the donations! When all monies were reconciled, a group of volunteers went to the orphange and donated all of it to the Administrator for the upkeep of the orphans. A couple of cameras were bought and given to the orphans who showed the brightest flair for photography. This is to enable them pursue a career in photography if they wished (and we do hope so), or atleast enjoy it as an Art. Who knows, they may be the next TY Bello of Nigeria or a photo reporter for TIME.

Yinka the founder of the initiative was featured on NTA Network AM Express show and she went along with the best student/orphan of the programme. So also, the story of the event was featured in several Newspapers for the whole of the country to see and even beyond! Truly our hearts were gladdend by the smiles we put on the faces of these kids.

It was a worthwhile programme. And i engender everyone who reads this blog to know that it is our duty to give back to the community. Support the cause of charity in any way you can, be it music, free Healthcare delivery, environmental sanitation or donating your resources into any number of causes.

Do the Walk, not just the Talk.

Gracias amigos.