NAWOJ Chairman, CRS chapter, Rekpene Uket (4th from left), Rev. Sister Mary Claudia (3rd from left) and others during the visit to the Pope John Paul II Good Samaritan Home in Calabar on Monday
By Anietie Akpan
In a heartwarming Easter outreach, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Cross River State chapter, brought smiles to the faces of elderly residents at the Pope John Paul II Good Samaritan Home in Calabar.
The team, led by Chairperson Rekepne Uket, on Monday donated essential food items and toiletries to the home, emphasizing the need to show love and compassion, especially during festive seasons.
“This visit is a way of saying thank you to God for His love by sharing what we have with those often forgotten. In previous years, we celebrated Easter with the aged at another home, and we will continue to reach out as God gives us grace,” she said.
Uket made a passionate appeal to government bodies, NGOs, civil society groups, corporate firms, and individuals to join hands in supporting the less privileged, stressing the tough economic realities many of these homes face.
Speaking on behalf of the people, Mr. Akpan, emotionally shared his story with the visitors, saying,. “I was abandoned by my own family, but this home took me in. God bless you for remembering people like us who have no one. You didn’t just bring gifts, you brought hope”.
Representing the management of the Good Samaritan Home, Rev. Sister Mary Claudia, expressed deep gratitude to NAWOJ for their thoughtful gesture towards the home.
“We are truly thankful for your love and generosity. It gives us strength and encouragement,” she said.
She however, noted the enormous challenges faced by the home, especially in caring for the aged without steady support.
“We need the help of kind hearted individuals and institutions. The burden is heavy, and we can’t carry it alone. The elderly here rely on our collective compassion”, she said.
Rev. Sister Claudia concluded by urging society to continue showing up for its most vulnerable members.
