General News
20 October, 2022
Donations to change lives
CAMPERDOWN and district locals are helping to make a difference in the lives of orphans and residents in Uganda and Botswana.
CAMPERDOWN and district locals are helping to make a difference in the lives of orphans and residents in Uganda and Botswana.
Donations of beds, books, wheelchairs and walking frames will soon make their way overseas thanks to the co-ordination of Future Freight’s Michele Smith.
With the support of employee Aggie Luwukya and her family, the donations will be given a new lease on life.
Mrs Smith said Ms Luwukya is one of 16 children.
“Her Dad, Dr Deo Luwukya trained in Bulgaria in the 1960s, then returned to the Masaka district, Uganda to open an orphanage and clinic, offering free medical services to the poor, vulnerable and sick,” she said.
“He and his wife Jane Mary adopted six children plus had 10 of their own. Fifteen of the 16 children have earned their degrees in various countries around the world.”
Mrs Smith said Merindah Lodge and South West Healthcare in Camperdown had donated 19 beds which would be donated and make their way to Botswana.
She said Timboon Opportunity Shop (TOPS) and volunteer Enid O’Connor had donated boxes full of books.
“Thanks to Enid O’Connor and the Timboon Opportunity Shop, we now have enough books to start a small library for the orphanage,” Mrs Smith said.
“South West Healthcare has been amazing with its high-low beds. Cancer patients, now untreated or treated on mattresses outside the hospital will have care and comfort.
“Nothing goes to waste. We are working on recycling books, sporting equipment, musical instruments, wheelchairs, washing machines, stoves, desks, computers, laptops, the list isjust endless.”
Mrs Smith said the items would go to Melbourne shortly to be packedfor shipping.
“The trouble with international donations is that so much of it doesn’t end up where it is supposed to due to import issues or piracy,” she said.
“With this project, through the Kampala Rotary Club and the Luwukya family, we have a 100 per cent strike rate.
“The goods are packed into containers in Australia, shipped, custom cleared and collected from the port by the Kampala Rotary Club, trucked to Uganda and Botswana and distributed to the community.
“Through unwanted and recycled goods that would end up in Australian landfill, we can make a real difference to some of the poorest communities inthe world.”
Residents who would like to make a donation can contact Michele Smith at Future Freight in Camperdown on 5593 3836.