Disaster relief in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone mudslide disaster update

Newspaper readers have responded generously to the Hastings Sierra Leone Friendship Link’s appeal for funds to help victims of the devastating mudslip in Freetown. Like all the communities in the immediate vicinity of the disaster area, our twin town is doing what it can to help the displaced survivors. Honorary Secretary of the Hastings Sierra Leone Friendship Link, Robin Gray sends us the latest news.

The appeal has so far raised £911 to date (including gift aid). Faced with the problem of getting funds as quickly and effectively as possible to those in need, the Link is working with Build on Books, a well-known and very dynamic non-governmental organisation(NGO) that the Link has worked with before.

In spite of its name, Build on Books is not just an educational charity – and its Freetown-based team swung immediately into action to take practical aid to the disaster area and to the Don Bosco camp, a mother and child camp that has been set up in a Freetown orphanage. The charity’s Lori Spragg writes: “We have been providing food, water, soap, clothing and shoes in large quantities to families that have lost everything. We have a medical team on site to deal with the shock and often horrific injuries of survivors”.

Relief workers in Sierra Leone

The Friendship Link is sending the appeal money to Build on Books, confident that every penny will be turned into much needed aid. The effects of the disaster will be felt for a long time.

If readers would like to contribute to the Link’s appeal, they can use this link: Hastings Sierra Leone Friendship Link – or send a cheque made out to HSLFL to The Secretary HSLFL, Oaklands, Rock Lane, Hastings TN35 4NY.

The Link’s next fundraising event is a Music Quiz Night at St Paul’s School, Horntye Road, St Leonards on Friday 15 September at 7pm. Tables should be booked in advance from the secretary on secretary.hslfl@gmail.com or 01424 436603. All the money raised will go to the disaster appeal fund.

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