Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Uganda: Off To A Rain Free Start!

After an early breakfast in the hotel garden, the SCAW team was on the bus and ready to roll by 7am sharp. Immy of the Inner Wheel group was our efficient bus manager and Hassan our skillful bus driver. Our first stop was the Crest Foam factory where the 7,000 mattresses had been manufactured and were ready for distribution. The irrepressible ladies of Inner Wheel had arranged for the storage and delivery of the mattresses and other distribution items to be handled by Crest Foam. The SCAW team members and Inner Wheel volunteers made a brief visit to the factory for photo-taking before heading to Nkokonjeru, 55 km southeast of Kampala and the site of our first distribution.


Our prayers on the bus beseeching a break from the rains proved fruitful. The skies threatened but 585 children received their bed kits without a soaking. The colourful new outfits provided the children were outshone only by their bright faces and captivating smiles. When our job was completed, the SCAW volunteers and Inner Wheel ladies tucked into a home cooked meal arranged by the latter and prepared by the ladies of the village.


On the way back to Kampala, we stopped once more at Crest Foam. This time Leo, Ben and others of the management team provided a detailed tour of the premises, an explanation of the manufacturing process, and a brief overview of the company's dynamic history and progressive philosophy. Thanks to the many friendly folks at Crest Foam for their hospitality, professionalism and caring attitude.

A debt of gratitude is owed to the Inner Wheel group and other local volunteers who helped make the day a success. As the kickoff to the 2018 Uganda distribution, the team couldn't have asked for more.


By Lawrence Hutchinson
Team Uganda 2018