Lee Agus from Bramley and Wickersley Lions has returned from another successful trip to Gambia. Lee was involved with the original trips to Gambia and has been a number of times, using his experience and contacts to support schools and hospitals in the West African country.
Anyone not familiar with the history of the project, it started with a former Lion visiting the country on holiday and being shocked by the fact many of the children didn’t have shoes. Shoe collections were made in the UK and a group of people took them (as excess luggage) to distribute in the country. Trips have been made over about 15 years and it is now a Lions project across the whole of the North of England and Scotland.
At the end of last year, a shipping container was filled with books, tables, hospital equipment and other vital supplies, and put on a ship for the port of Banjul. The contents were taken to a range of schools and hospitals that the Lions have assisted over the years.
Making a difference to this country over a number of years was especially poignant for Lee. One school, which they had visited in previous years, had converted a store cupboard into the ‘Lions Library’ complete with a sign above the door, and shelves made from old pallets the team had used to transport some of the donations.
Lee and fellow Lions, from Doncaster and beyond, are keen that the contacts made with the Port Authorities and the Government Ministers who facilitate these trips are not lost; new volunteers are welcome to support in any way they can. Anyone not physically able to make the trip to Gambia can be put to good use sourcing materials to support the Gambian branch of the Rotherham United Supporters Club!
The Lions would like to thank everyone who has supported the project; this has made a real difference to education, welfare and the lives of people in The Gambia. For more information, please contact Bramley and Wickersley Lions Club on Facebook or via secretary@bwlions.org.uk.