DONATING TO VULNERABLE SENIORS:

The needs of seniors in rural areas vary. There are those living alone with no relatives, and those living with orphaned grandchildren. The seniors in rural areas rely on peasantry farming until they are physically incapacitated. Traditionally, the extended family provided care and support to the seniors. However, in modern society, and Uganda in particular, the role of traditional family support has greatly reduced. Seniors are neglected and isolated, yet there is no government social security program to cater to them. They also need decent nutrition, health assistance, and housing. “Today it is them, tomorrow it is me, you, or your loved one.” Major problems seniors face are: lack of food, medical care, decent housing, bedding, clothing, information around them, and entertainment, to mention but a few.

As we approach the festive season of celebrations, full of gift-giving, family gatherings, symbolic decorations, and feasting, I, Rosette Nsonga, in partnership with Raising Hope Africa, hereby initiate a fundraising campaign to reach out to vulnerable seniors in Bugiri District in Uganda, East Africa. This is aimed at raising their hope and making them feel loved during the festive season. Rosette and Raising Hope Africa have been doing this activity since 2020, after COVID-19 made seniors more vulnerable than any other category of people.

Raising Hope Africa is a registered community-driven non-profit organization -registration number: BGR.813/257 located in Bugiri District, Uganda. It has a good history of enhancing the well-being of vulnerable seniors and children. Through collaborative efforts with rural communities and stakeholders, the organization provides essential support such as shelter, bedding, groceries, education, and health care. My deep-rooted connection with Raising Hope Africa has led me to initiate a GoFundMe campaign so that together we can reach out to at least 100 vulnerable seniors aged 65 years and above