Christmas a time for giving: The Blak Shepherd Foundation’s Annual Food Drive

Implementing Organization(s): Blak Shepherd Women Empowerment Foundation

Date: 25th December 2024

Duration of Activity: 1 Day

Venue: Utako Community Square, Abuja

INTRODUCTION

The Christmas Food Drive organized by the Blak Shepherd Women Empowerment Foundation took place at the Utako Community Square, aiming to bring joy and sustenance to underprivileged families during the festive season. With a focus on ensuring that everyone in the community could celebrate Christmas with dignity, the event provided not only food packs but also hygiene care packages to alleviate any form of lack. The involvement of community leaders and the Nigerian Police Force Utako Division was instrumental in ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all participants.

ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES

• To spread joy and ensure that underprivileged families have access to food during the Christmas season.
• To distribute hygiene care packs, addressing basic needs and promoting health.
• To foster community spirit by engaging local leaders and residents in a shared celebration.
• To empower children through educational gifts and competitions, encouraging learning and creativity.

ACTIVITY NARRATIVE

The atmosphere at Utako Community Square was vibrant, filled with laughter and excitement as families gathered for the Christmas Food Drive. After the opening prayer by Akoka Abily, Ami took the stage, sharing heartfelt words about the importance of community support and compassion during the holiday season. As food packs were handed out in colorful, branded packages, smiles lit up faces across the square. Children eagerly participated in the spelling competition, their enthusiasm palpable as they showcased their skills. The joy of receiving educational gifts added to the festive spirit, making this Christmas truly special for many.

The event was not just about distribution; it was about connection. Community members expressed their gratitude warmly, thanking Blak Shepherd for their generous gesture. The day concluded with a clean-up effort, leaving the square tidy and ready for future gatherings.

ACTIVITY METHODOLOGY

The event began with a meeting with the community Chief to secure support and collaboration. The team then reached out to the Nigerian Police Force Utako Division to ensure a safe environment for attendees. Following an opening prayer, Ami addressed the gathering, introducing the Foundation and explaining its mission. Food packs were distributed efficiently, and children participated in a spelling competition, receiving gifts that included painting supplies and coloring books as rewards for their efforts.

EXPECTED TARGET BENEFICIARIES

The primary beneficiaries targeted were women and children from underprivileged backgrounds within the community.

TARGET BENEFICIARIES IN ATTENDANCE

The event successfully attracted a diverse group of attendees, including women, children, and men from the community, all eager to partake in the festivities.

TRAINING OUTPUTS/OUTCOMES

• Distribution of food packs and hygiene care items to numerous families, ensuring they could celebrate Christmas.
• Positive engagement with children through educational competitions, fostering a love for learning.
• Strengthened community ties through shared experiences of joy and giving.
• Increased awareness of the Foundation's mission and activities within the community.

FEEDBACK

Beneficiaries expressed overwhelming gratitude for the support provided by the Blak Shepherd Women Empowerment Foundation. Many shared how the food packs alleviated their worries about Christmas meals, allowing them to focus on celebrating with loved ones. Children who received educational gifts felt encouraged and excited about learning, expressing their appreciation through smiles and laughter.

CHALLENGES

• Language barriers initially hindered communication; however, an interpreter was later employed to facilitate better understanding.
• Managing the crowd proved difficult at times; thankfully, the presence of the Nigerian Police Force helped maintain order.
• Rising costs of items in the market affected planning and budgeting for the event, making it challenging to procure enough supplies.

RECOMMENDATION

• Future events should consider hiring an interpreter before the event to bridge language gaps effectively.
• Enhanced crowd control measures should be planned in advance, possibly involving more volunteers from the community.
• Communities should foster a more welcoming atmosphere and minimize political influences to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
• Coordination among community members can lead to smoother operations during such events.

CONCLUSION

The Christmas Food Drive organized by Blak Shepherd Women Empowerment Foundation was a heartwarming success, bringing joy and essential support to underprivileged families in Utako. The collaborative efforts of community leaders and the Nigerian Police Force ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. The positive feedback from beneficiaries highlights the impact of such initiatives on community welfare. By addressing identified challenges and implementing recommendations for future events, Blak Shepherd can continue to uplift communities and spread hope during festive seasons and beyond.