On 17 December we held our annual Christmas lunch at the Seven Kings in Dunfermline with volunteers and trustees in attendance.
A good time was had by all. See photos from the lunch below.
We’ve just received a note from Darkwell Sakalaat in Lesotho after receiving knitting from us, which was kindly made by three ladies in Dunfermline who knit for Africa. Read the report below from Darkwell who’s based in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho.
THE DONATION FROM SUNRISE AFRICA RELIEF
Last Tuesday morning the Lesotho representatives met with the PR of the Main Hospital in the capital city of Maseru know as Queen Mamohato Memorial hospital (Tsepong) with whom we introduced our organization as well as Sunrise Africa Relief, We spoke of the previous donations we received how we dealt with them and our plan concerning the recent donation we received. She spoke of four of the hospitals that are under the main hospital which provide free medical service to the low income people in the communities.
Further to that, she requested we meet the Nursing Manager of the Children’s ward – Birth Section with whom we continuously discussed about the donation. Upon our discussion she made a report to the Head of their department who fully agreed for us to make the donation as most of the babies there are of severe cases (premature, malnourished or infected etc.
Today Friday August 3, 2018 was the date given for us to make the donation. We donated the baby hats and jerseys today. The Nurse Manager of that Unit spoke of the plan she has for the package, which is to use the donation for the hospital since the hospital does not have much resources and give the jerseys to the neediest since the hospital runs low on most of the things needed in the maternity Unite. Apart from that she spoke again of the problems they are facing now which are Temperature control for small babies, no enough bedding’s and so for that you know Lesotho is 100% above sea level.
In addition this donation was given to the critical side of the maternity ward, a ward for new born babies. This donation did make a huge change, made people happy both the patients and the nurses as well as us. We are grateful for Sunrise Africa Relief for making Lesotho live again after it has been in slumber for a long time.
Darkwell Sakala
A PDF of the presentation given by Shazia Nadeem at the fundraising dinner on 17 June 2018 is available to view.
Read more about the fundraising dinner.
Steff Williamson successfully completed the Washington DC half marathon on the 24th June 2018 despite very hot and humid weather.
Running on behalf of Sunrise Africa Relief he raised over $1,160 from sponsors around the world.
The money raised will go towards Barlastone Park School which is situated in one of the poorest districts of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.
You can still donate to Steff via Just Giving here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stephan-williamson2
The Trustees would like to thank all sponsors for their generous donations.
On the 23rd June 2018 three volunteers from Sunrise Africa Relief held a fundraising table at Dunfermline Gala day. Eileen, Heidrun and Robert on a very sunny day at the top of the glen raised just under £300. These funds will help support Barlastone Park School on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia in one of the poorest districts of the capital city. This will help towards renovation of the classrooms and books for the library.
The Trustees would like to thank the members of the public who supported the charity and gave so generously.
On the 16th June 2018 in Dumfries, Sunrise Africa Relief participated in the 15km Tough Mudder Challenge race.
Our team consisted of 5 members, Eric, Michael, Ailidh, Chucks and Russell. All had trained vigorously for the event, which consisted of a 15km run interspaced with challenges of mud, ropes, ice, walls, pyramids etc. Success could only be achieved with effective team work – which proved to be the case on the day with the team as they successfully passed all the obstacles.
The weather added an extra challenge with rain, hail, lighting, and sunshine. In fact, there was a sign up saying that the Tough Mudder Challenge is never cancelled because of weather!
So far the team has raised over £1,200 in online donations which is going towards the development of Barlastone Park School in one of the poorest districts of Lusaka in Zambia.
The Trustees would like to really thank the team for their effort and participation to make the event and the day a great success.
Sunrise Africa Relief held a fundraising dinner with MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians) at the Stirling Albert Halls on 17th June 2018.
The event involved two charities working together to bring people across Scotland and England to share an evening and to learn more about the plight of Palestine and Africa.
All proceeds went to support the work of Sunrise Africa Relief and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Mrs Christine Simpson the Provost of Stirling gave the welcoming address, followed by the keynote address from Professor Graham Watt CBE on “The Barriers for Health in Palestine”. This was followed by Ms Susan McGill, Councillor for Stirling Council, who discussed “On Supporting People”.
Dr Ishaq Abu-Arafeh, the chairman of the planning committee, did an excellent job outlining the purpose of the event and ensuring the evening ran on time, while mixing with the guests to make sure everyone was having a good experience.
Sunrise Africa Relief had three speakers. Mr Robert Williamson, co-founder and trustee, first gave a brief introduction of the charity – how it was founded in 2014 and currently has active projects in Zambia and Uganda. He then introduced Mr Aftikhar Ahmed as the other co-founder and the one who took the initiative to hold this event. Mr Ahmed received an overwhelming cheer of appreciation from the guests for his charity work.
Mr Paul Currie, another trustee, spoke on the principles of the charity and the importance of two faith groups working together. He also stated there is need everywhere and that it transcends religious, culture, and ethnic differences.
Mrs Shazia Nadeem, an ambassador for the charity, spoke on her personal experiences in Africa and her participation in the projects, in particular Uganda and Zambia – including an encounter with a crocodile!
Two music groups performed, Camile Nehme from Palestine and The Afros band from Africa. Both groups were received well and managed to get the audience dancing!
Sunrise Africa Relief raised over £683 with online donations still being received.
The Trustees would like to thank all the committee members and all those who attended and contributed to make the evening so enjoyable and successful.
Video of one of the bands:
Three members of the charity will be taking part in the Tough Mudder 10 mile assault course to raise funds for a new science classroom at Barlastone Park School, Zambia on June 16th 2018 at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries, Scotland.
Please donate here on the site or via the Just Giving Page.
Thank you for your support.
The charity shop in Dunfermline is now closed however Sunrise Africa Relief goes on.
Please note the shop telephone number no longer works. If you wish to get in touch you can contact Robert on 07720 706498 or email rwilliamson5 AT btinternet.com.
