VDF give 1500 bags of sugar, others to needy communities and institutions

- March 17, 2024

On Friday, 15 March 2024 as usual Vision Development Foundation (VDF) started their Annual Ramadan Gifts to needy communities and institutions by distributing 1500 bags of sugar (10KG per bag) to 19 communities and institutions at a ceremony held at it's office branch in Churchill's Town, Serrekunda. Mr. Momodou Turo Darboe- VDF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said he is emulating his late father who advised him to be offering gifts during Holy Month of Ramadan.

Mr Saihou Fofana VFD Board Member and PRO in his remarks in an interview at the handing over said they are instructed by Mr Darboe to invite 19 institutions and communities to answer to his annual Ramadan gifts he normally give to needy people and institutions. "Today is the first day ... and we are starting with 19 institutions and communities. A total number of 1500 bags (10Kilos per bag) are to be distributed to communities from Sukuta Nema, the Murid Association, Kitty, Gunjur, Sifo, Sosseh Colley- the community leader, Vital Trading, Rekleh Society, Waka Conteh, Bussumbala Community, Public Health Directorate, Standard Newspaper, the Sahel, Pa Nderry (A popular Radio Program Host), Sukuta Women Association, Brufut Community, Tanji, Tujereng and GRTS. Today these are the beneficiaries of the Ramadan Gifts, and we hope it will go a long way in helping them during the holy month of Ramadan," he said. Mr Fofana further stated that the gesture is part of VDF agenda of caring and sharing which is their wholemarp, since it's inception 26-27 years ago the organisation has been engaged in philanthropist supports in different angles. "And our able CEO Momodou Turo Darboe have the believe that caring and sharing is important component of his operation. That's why we are into the matter of supporting and sharing. This Ramadan operation is one of our major operations. But we have different operations, from water for the needy, Ramadan needs, supports to school children, Christian communities and needy organisations too. All these combined together are activities we normally do, and we are so happy that this year we are back again. Today- Friday is the start and we are going to continue the operations, every Wednesday and Fridays until at the end of the Ramadan Insaa Allah . Our message to the community is to add more prayers to us with our able CEO Mr Momodou Turo Darboe and all the other staff present here," he concluded.

Mr Ousman Yabo- Former Tango Director said he has been part of VDF operations for many years, especially when he was at Tango, and despite being retired Turo always invites him to attend the ceremony.

"Turo is one of the most recognised philanthropists in this country. I am a witness to that," he said, adding: that Turo has helped thousands of people in need; pays school fees for hundreds of students at Senior Secondary School and University; feeds and clothes hundreds of people; and he give out sugar, chicken, bread, tea and cash to hundreds of people who gather at the VDF Office during Ramadan. "Turo is the guy who helps our Government," he said, noting that in certain communities he helps them pay for the electricity extension from one point to another; providing boreholes, clinics, among others. "So if we have 10 to 15 Turo Darboes in this country I am not saying we will not have people who are tired, or need, but it will be reduced," Mr Yabo said. He further said Mr Turo Darboe does this during Ramadan, Tobaski, Christmass, and other Feasts. "So for me I think he is exceptionally a very good person. What he has he shares it with others. Is not only in The Gambia, but he does this, but also in Senegal. So in other words he is a West African philanthropist," said Mr Yabo. Other speakers included the Imam of Busumbala, and representatives of the Murid Association in The Gambia, among others who praise VDF and Mr Turo Darboe for their generous supports, and pray for their continued supports.