Vision Development Foundation (VDF) delivered its 5th Ramadan food presentation to communities and institutions on Friday, March 29th, as Muslims enter the final ten days of the holy month.
The latest food relief campaign, which has been distributing sugar and other items to communities every Wednesday and Friday at the Foundation’s Branch Office in Churchill’s Town since the start of Ramadan, targeted national assembly members and executives of the Supreme Islamic Council.
The presentation was graced by 25 deputies. The foundation extends a major support scheme to Muslims in the spirit of the holy month, with the distribution campaign led by Top Gambian philanthropist and international business Magnate Momodou Turo Darboe, who solely sponsored the entire Ramadan campaign.
The public relations officer of vision development foundation Saihou Fofana who spoke to the press on behalf of Momodou Turo Darboe- VDF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said as usual 4638 bags of sugar will be given out to less privileged communities, institutions and individuals.
Fofana said over 20 National Assembly Members and 21 Communities, totaling 41 beneficiaries, were presented with Ramadan Sugar Gifts, ranging from 50, 100, 150, and 200 bags, respectively.
Thanking Allah for facilitating the process, Mr Fofana; the recipients are expected to deliver the food package to their communities and villages further as representatives from various parts of The Gambia are invited to receive the donation.
“This has been ongoing since the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and we will continue providing food relief until the end of Ramadan,” he said.
The VDF PRO urged recipients of the Ramadan Sugar to give it to those who need it most, saying people’s conditions are not equal.
“Some can afford sugar; others cannot. So, this donation is meant for underprivileged people who cannot afford sugar during the holy month.
“VDF aims to put smiles on the faces of those who cannot afford sugar during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Our visionary leader, Mr Momodou Turo Darboe, always states that the gesture is meant for those who cannot afford it, urging representatives receiving to deliver supplies to the underprivileged.”
Speaking on behalf of National Assembly Members Hon. Samba Jallow, National Assembly Member for Niamina Dankunku, thanked VDF Chief Executive, Mr Momodou Turo Darboe, for supporting all Constituencies of the Central River and Upper River Region, covering ten areas in every district.
Hon. Jallow said each constituency is allocated 100 bags of sugar valued at D972,000.
The lawmaker described the gesture as an inspirational act of compassion that will significantly assist grassroots communities.
“The donation is well timed because we are in Ramadan, and most communities need sugar, which many cannot afford,” he added.
Hon. Kemo Gassama, Member of Lower Badibou in North Bank Region, said the donation would go a long way in helping the needy, not only in their constituencies but the entire country, praying for Mr. Darboe’s long life, good health, and prosperity to sustain the initiative.
Imam Alhagie Essa Darboe, President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, thanked Allah for enabling Momodou Turo Darboe’s yearly magnanimity to Gambians and hailing his support to the population on behalf of the Supreme Islamic Council.
“This year, we are enjoying a similar gesture from Mr Turo Darboe, and we thank Allah for such opportunities. On behalf of the Supreme Islamic Council, Scholars, and Gambian Muslims, we thank VDF under Momodou Turo Darboe’s leadership for the gestures. We thank them for supporting the poor and needy. All of us witness Momodou Turo Darboe’s support during this Holy Month of Ramadan, which is a blessed month. It’s a month of showing mercy. Mr Darboe is one of those who knows what to do during this Holy Month, and we thank him and pray for Allah to give him good health,” he said.
Imam Darboe called on other philanthropists and the business community to emulate Mr Darboe.
Mr Eliman Jah, one of the recipients representing the Daru Rirwan community of Badibu, North Bank Region, expressed delight at the gesture and prayed for Mr Darboe’s long life and good health.
He added that many people have resources, but Mr Darboe’s selflessness and commitment to the citizenry are exceptional while praying for more blessings for the VDF executive.
Vision Development Foundation, under the leadership of top philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe, is moving to extend its assistance to communities with more donations planned for the coming weeks as Ramadan reaches a high point.
