The program is something he has been doing for some years now and I have been part of it in the past.
This time around, he specifically wanted me to handle the medical outreach part of the program while other team members concentrate on sharing the gift items.
I was willing to help out especially as I had not contributed financially so it was the least I could do to show support too.
When the day arrived, I showed up to his house and met them arranging the various bags that would be given out. I helped in the arrangement while we planned on how the gifts would be shared.
While packaging those gifts, I began to feel like it was not necessary to give gifts because it looked as if it was small. The gifts comprised mainly of cloths and packs of noodles as well as a book.
I think that why I felt this way was because of my own reality. I had enough clothes and I had food so I concluded that things were not so rough in the country.
My perception changed as soon as we began sharing. With each gift given, I noticed how their faces lit up, some smiled widely while others laughed shyly. I also noticed the expectation on their faces before receiving the package and the satisfaction that followed when they opened it or peeped into it.
At that point, I realised that I was wrong. My situation does not represent thousands of other people who were going through a lot for survival.
We couldn't do the medical outreach section anymore because of shortage of hands and so I spent the whole time sharing gifts.
Initially, I agreed to be part of the sharing for formality sake but then as it progressed and with my observations, it became obvious that it was a necessity.
Like I said, the program is usually carried out by my friend. It's not usually tailored to Christmas just that last year's program fell into the Christmas season.
He is currently planning to host another one in the first half of this month and I plan to attend if I am available when it is fixed.
He already made me in charge of the health team and requested that we fully integrate free medical outreach as part of the program inorder to ensure that more people benefit and that it goes beyond gifts but also checking their body which is very important for survival.
A lot of people don't go to the hospital even when sick because of finances and this is why my friend is very passionate about using his foundation as an avenue to shine light into the hearts of as many people as can be reached.
I agreed with him and that's why I look forward to the program anytime I am free to attend. It usually brings a sort of fulfillment and satisfaction.
