Crime-hit charity back on the road for orphans (From Evesham Journal)

Crime-hit charity back on the road for orphans

10:40am Saturday 8th September 2012 in Evesham By Freya Leng

A TRUSTEE of a charity hit by thieves said she was “relieved” that items destined to improve the lives of orphans have finally been sent overseas.

Orphans in the Wild had hundreds of items stolen by raiders on Saturday, June 2, including about 200 school uniforms.

The stolen items had been collected over the past two years and the 40ft storage container was almost full and ready to be sent over to Africa.

But thanks to the generosity of supporters, hundreds of donations have been made to replace the stolen items and they were sent off on Thursday to Mufindi in Tanzania.

Marion Gough, trustee, said she was delighted.

“There’s hundreds of items for the children’s orphanage,” she said.

“It’s got lots of medical equipment, computers and laptops that has been donated. I was really terrified it would happen again. The charity has nearly finished building an operating theatre which will be completed by the end of the year. All the equipment will be really useful.”

Items that have been sent over include hospital beds, mattresses, linen, hand-knitted blankets nurses’ uniforms, dental and medical instruments and equipment.

Mrs Gough added: “All these items have been donated by hospitals north to south of the country, members of the public and friends for which we really thank you.

“Special thanks goes to Darren Lothian of White Logistics, who for the last six years has collected them for us on his return from deliveries. Without all this help and support these donations wouldn’t get to where they are desperately needed.”