A
Portuguese national residing in the country through a Gambian friend recently
donated 4,000 pairs of shoes to two organisations.
The donor, Paulo Lucas, a commercial manager of Nectar West Africa, through his Gambian friend, Abdoulie Hydara of Kanifing South, made the donation at Kololi.
The beneficiaries included Bakoteh SOS Children’ village and the Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) in Kerewan, NBR.
Speaking at the presentation, the donor Paulo Lucas, described The Gambia as his second home, adding that he first came to The Gambia 40 years ago for a two-week vacation from which he fell in love with The Gambia.
He disclosed that he and his family now lives in The Gambia.
Mr Lucas, who has travelled to many parts of the world, said he chose The Gambia as his home, which mainly influenced his decision to give the shoes to the needy in the country.
The shoes were all made in Portugal, he said, while urging the beneficiaries not to sell them.
Hydara appealed to the organizations responsible for the distribution not to sell a pair as they are meant for charity.
He thanked the donor for the gift and the love he has for The Gambia.
A member of ADWAC, an organization established since 1996, based at Kerewan North Bank Region, said their mandate as an NGO is to complement government’s effort, which is why the organization is trying to reach the poorest settlement.
He promised the donor that as soon the items reached the institution, it would be followed by a presentation to the governor for onward distribution.
He thanked the donor for the benevolence and promised a transparent distribution to the beneficiaries.
