Christmas has come early for the Gambia’s Wullinkamma Aribaja Clinic, thanks to a shipment of donated clothes, toys and medical equipment organised by our own Home Manager Gabriele Jerome. She is already hard at work crocheting clothes for the first shipment of 2020!
The
clinic, which was set up several years ago by a British couple, helps support orphans
who’ve lost parents to malaria and are left to fend for themselves. Many live
with extended family in concrete compounds with no running water or
electricity. The clinic is a lifeline for the local community, providing baby
milk, donated clothing and toys. It also holds vital mother and baby health clinics
as well as breakfast clubs and other family support groups.
Gabriele, a life-long crocheter, has been involved since 2017, making blankets, cardigans, babies’ hats – and over
100 dresses a year! She and her friend Sandy Brion fill a large packing crate at
least twice a year with clothes and medical items including liquid paracetamol,
syringes, needles and dressings. It can take two to three months before the donations
arrive at their destination.
The help isn’t just confined to donations of clothes and medical supplies. Gabriele also pays the tuition fees of a young trainee nurse who will eventually carry on with the clinic’s good work.
She says: “The help we
offer is very practical, and we know that it goes directly to the people who really
need it. I love crocheting, especially when I know the work I’m doing is for
such a good cause. Supporting someone to train as a nurse or doctor will reap
dividends for the community, as they will play an incredibly important role in
years to come.”
Donations of toys, clothes or medical supplies are always welcome – please contact Gabriele on 01622 737025.
Contact us 
