Good Deeds Day; a Global movement that unites thousands of businesses and organizations in more than 108 countries in doing good deeds for the benefit of others and the planet earth.
This initiative was birthed by a business woman & philanthropist; SHARI ARISON who founded Arison Foundation. The initiative has gotten widespread acceptance across the globe and was first initiated in Kwara State last year where Bundies Care Support Initiative hosted an event to commemorate the day in 2022.
This year, Bundies care teamed up with other organizations to organise a Humanitarian Outreach programme titled A DAY OUT WITH ELDERLY. Through the coalition of NGOS in Kwara state, the event was held to shower love and care on the ‘senior citizens’ many who have been neglected in Kwara state. The program was held inline with the vision of Good Deeds Day to do Good, Speak Good & think Good which will help to reduce vices and prejudice.
The aim of Good Deeds Day is to make it a household name in all the nations, using various platforms and good deeds programs to bring us all back to sensitivity to humanity and dethrone all entrenching negative vices in our communities.
To mark the Good Deeds Day in Kwara State, the coalition collaborated with BRAFEM GERIATRICS FOUNDATION, home of the elderly to celebrate the good deeds day with the elderly in Ilorin Kwara state.
The program which started exactly 9:00 am at Brafam Geriatrics Home where everyone converged. Activities commenced through registering & commencement of a Free Medical check up for the elderly by Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria Kwara Branch and Nurses from Brafem.
The Executive Director of Bundies Care Support Initiative. (Mrs. Funmilayo Osiegbu) gave the welcome address by thanking everyone who took it upon themselves to be part of the program. She also welcomed, Honourable Commissioner for Social Development Mrs Bosede Deborah Aremu, The Country Director of Good Deeds Day Nigeria, Mr Olugbenga Adetola Bamidele and his Wife Mrs Deborah Bamidele, The President of Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria Kwara Branch (FOMWAN) Hajiat Nimat Labaika. The former President of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) Lady Evangelist Maria Bukoye. UNESCO focal person in Kwara State Mr. Taiye Odedeji was also present. Mrs Funmilayo-Osiegbu further stressed the need for good deeds in our society, not only in big things but in our little gestures that impact the society positively and put smiles on the faces of the dejected and the forgotten, particularly our elderly ones.
Mr. Olugbenga Adetola Bamidele the Good Deeds Day Country Director in Nigeria in his key note address gave a background details of Good Deeds Day, The aim and objectives of the organisation to spread the effect of Good thinking, Doing Good & Speaking Good as this reduces hatred, vices, bigotry and the likes in our society.
Mrs Bosede Deborah Aremu, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Development in her good will message was able to come down to the level of some of this elderly who are not literate to understand English, she broke it down in Yoruba the predominant language of the state interpreting Good Deeds Day as (Ojo Ise Rere). She reiterating the essence of caring and celebrating the aged among us.
Mrs Beactrice Oyegbade the Executive Director of Brafem Geriatrics Foundation in her goodwill message expressed her passion for caring for the elderly and the support needed to keep up at the home of the elderly and her joy in seeing the Good Deeds Day Kwara State in reaching out celebrate with them.
Hajia Nimat Labaika the President of FOMWAN, Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria Kwara State, in her goodwill message, emphasized on the Quranic injunction on taking care of the aged and the needy in our society and the blessings.
Lady Evangelist Maria Bukoye Former Chairperson of WOWICAN, Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria Kwara State Branch in her goodwill message reiterated Good Deeds as it relates to the christian faith and the Joy of giving to the aged.
After the goodwill message, the elderly were engaged in various activities that include Games, Painting, Singing and Dancing.
Donations of food items and medication was made by the GDD Kwara State Chapter and otherwell-meaningg individuals.
Fortunate Bread Bakery, Ilorin donated bread & beverages to the elderly.
There were also donations of fruits, medicine and other consumables by different organizations that supported the event.
There was great joy and positive reception by the elderly who took turns praying for the organisers.
