Christmas: Harvesters feeds 2,000 families, donates cash

Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC) has provided 2000 families with rice, cooking oil and condiments needed for the Christmas season through its Project Smile initiative.

The project was executed under the Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF) in partnership with the Harvesters Lekki Ministry team to commemorate Christmas celebration, especially with the hike in prices of food and foodstuff.

As part of its continued efforts to empower impoverished youth in Africa, the foundation has also pledged to provide skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities for youths from less-privileged environments so they can succeed. Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF) is set to offer scholarships worth N15 million to over 100 African undergraduates in a few months.

Lead, Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF), Dinyambe Nyatua, said the project came in the wake of a recent outreach in Kogi State where the foundation donated food and clothing supplies to 1,250 flood victims in Idozy community of Koton Karfe Local Council.

He said:  “Inflation has risen to record levels, meaning that many families are struggling to afford food. Our primary goal is to alleviate poverty and hunger in Africa by providing food donations to those who are most affected by these issues.

“With a robust network of volunteers, the foundation and the ministry team set out to put smiles on the faces of people in dire need, particularly in the Jakande and Oniru communities of Lagos State.

“According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 40 per cent of Nigeria’s total population-nearly 83 million people, live below the country’s poverty line of N137, 430.00 per year. This alarming statistics reveals a humanitarian crisis that is worsening by the day and as a foundation, we are committed to give succour.”

According to Team Head, Special Ministries, Glory Odejimi, well-meaning donors and supporters were instrumental in achieving the 2000 family goal that was set.

Speaking on the impact of the outreach, Mr. Eze, one of the 100 beneficiaries of cash donations said: “A lot of us were not planning to celebrate Christmas this year because we cannot afford to buy food. Food items are very expensive this season and we are only trying to survive.

I am grateful to the entire Harvesters team for remembering us today.”