It was a very joyous and remarkable occasion on 22nd December 2023 as Araceli Aid Foundation organizes a Christmas Reach-out for kids at Okpara Square Enugu. The colourful occasion had in attendance kids from various parts of Enugu metropolis and beyond. The occasion, marked with various performances like competitions, games, dances and songs which attracted scholarships for spontaneous contestants was the first of its kind organized by Araceli Aid foundation.
The Araceli Aid foundation is a non-profit organization committed to empowering people through education, community development, and social and economic support. Even though the organization was officially founded on 14th December 2022, and the first inaugural mass was on 10th of June 2023, it has been working tirelessly and anonymously over the past 13 years to provide educational opportunities to the less privileged, establish and support schools, and improve the living conditions of indigent and destitute individuals in our society. To be sure, Araceli Aid Foundation has 6 main objectives, namely: improving Education, School support, Social support, social support, Community development, economic development and improving living conditions.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of Araceli Aid foundation Rev. Fr. Christian Nnaemeka Iroha unequivocally expressed gratitude to God for giving the foundation the opportunity and the resources to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus with Kids in a grand style. Fr. Christian expressed that his motivation behind the establishment of Araceli Aid foundation is based on his personal experience as a student who was asked to leave school because his family couldn’t pay his school fees. He recounted that one Mrs. Muoneke of blessed Memory, saw him in that pitiable state and drove him back to the school and made a promise that she would start paying his school fees from henceforth. Fr. Christian said that he would be eternally grateful of Mrs. Muoneke because he made a resolution to become an instrument of hope to less privilege kids.
Recounting the various recent activities of the foundation, Fr. Christian noted the following:
Orthopaedic Hospital, Children Day celebration: On the 28th May, the Foundation marked the 2023 Children’s Day celebration in the orthopedic hospital, Enugu State. The foundation organized an outreach to the children’s ward on the said day. The organization came with food, snacks, cake, clothing and also made cash donations to some of the indigent patients in the ward.
Visitation of Abor Community: On 9th August, the foundation visited the hinterland community of Abor in Enugu state to support UCEM Foundation, a local organization that provides free holiday extramural classes and vocational training for children in the community. There, the Araceli team presented a cash donation of N250,000 to UCEM Foundation, which will be used to support the organization’s programs. The Araceli team also took the opportunity to meet with the children who are participating in UCEM Foundation’s programs and to inspire and motivate them to do their best in their studies and training.
Imezi Olo Visitation: On 11th December, 2023, The Foundation Reaches out to the people of Imezi Olo with love and the spirit of Christmas. In this event, the Araceli Aid Foundation gave out bags of rice, vegetable oil, tomato, and seasoning cubes to plant Joy in the hearts of the people, preparing them for thanksgiving, and helping them propagate LOVE that would go around in the spirit of Christmas this merry season.
Fr. Christian Iroha confessed that the Araceli Aid Foundation is a dream come true. He buttressed further that such a dream may not have seen the light of the day without the encouragement, support and sponsorship of Anne Rossmeier, a friend and benefactor from United States.
In a short appreciation speech, Fr. Christian Iroha expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese Most Rev. Callistus V.C. Onaga, the Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo and the emeritus Bishop Most Rev. Anthony O. Gbuji. He also thanked the Parents and guardians of the Kids who attended the occasion.
At the Christmas reach out party, various kids who participated in various competitions won various scholarships. Chimamanda Nnamani who participated in the Nation Anthem Singing Contest was given a scholarship from JSS1 – JSS3. Hillary Odiani who participated in Bible spelling competition was a given a scholarship from SS1 – SS3 while Munachi Ezeaku Destiny who participated in Novel Reading Competition won a scholarship from JSS1 – SS3.
There were lots of food, drinks for all who attended the occasion. Each kid was given gifts like text books, writing materials, mathset etc.
The occasion was also graced with the presence of various comedians and celebrities from Enugu like Ada Kirikiri, Nani Boi, Ebuka Hero, MC concept and Lorenzo Menakaya.
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