Ivyline Foundation donates food items, cash, others to vulnerable Abia community

Ivyline Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has donated food items and cash to vulnerable households in Leru Umuchieze, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

Also distributed were beddings and writing materials to students and pupils of the community.

The materials were distributed during the occasion of Ozonyiri Charity Day, which was held at Leru Primary School field, Leru Umuchieze.

Evangeline Ozonyiri, the founder and lead coordinator, said the event was organised in honour and memory of Chinyere and Sorochi Ozonyiri; her late parents.

She disclosed that the foundation was established to help amplify the voice of the voiceless after overcoming the many challenges she faced between 2009 and 2019.

Ozonyiri, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, said that she was passionate about eradicating hunger, inequalities, poverty and contributing to improving access to quality healthcare in vulnerable communities.

“It is in my heart to always help the needy and the vulnerable, empower my people and give back to society.

“It is something I have been doing at least three or four times a year through my foundation, for the past five years and I am not stopping,” she said.

She disclosed that one valid lesson she learnt from her parents, especially her father, was to be kind to everyone despite what they had done to you in the past.

Ozonyiri explained that the foundation had over the past five years, distributed foodstuffs to over 8,000 individuals across several communities in Abia, Imo and Abuja.

She also said that the non-profit organisation had donated tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines and motorcycles to help women and youth kick-start their journey into financial independence.

Chinedu Nwaogu, a clergyman, in a brief sermon entitled, ‘Is my father still alive?’ narrated the story of Joseph in Genesis 45:3, and advised the people against household enemies.

He urged them to turn away from their evil ways and look up to God, who is their heavenly Father as they begin their journey in 2025.

Ugoeze Agnes Ogoke, wife of the traditional rulers of Leru Community and some other community leaders in their separate speeches, lauded Ozonyiri for always giving back to her community.

Patrick Ezeala, who supported the Foundation with 40 bags of rice, said that he was deeply touched by Ozonyiri’s act of benevolence to the people.

The items include bags of rice, gallons of vegetable oil, cartons of tomato pastes, bags of salt, mattresses, mats, clothing, buckets, writing materials, among others.