The Lehi Social Impact Foundation has once again spread festive cheer through its annual “Christmas at the Hospital” initiative, bringing joy and much-needed support to children and new mothers in hospitals across Lagos and Abuja, respectively.
This year’s donations included medical equipment, mattresses, food items, and essential hospital supplies aimed at improving the hospital experience for the most vulnerable during the holiday season.
In Abuja, the foundation provided crucial medical equipment, including two wheelchairs, a CPAP machine, a suction pump, and an infusion pump, all identified as essential through a needs assessment conducted with the University Teaching Hospital.
The foundation also donated mattresses and food items for patients. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the foundation focused on enhancing the environment for hospitalized children by renovating a creche at the Bagada General Hospital and distributing Christmas packs filled with food items.
Babayemi Olaniyan, the convener of the Lehi Social Impact Foundation, a lawyer, philanthropist, and lead partner at Lehi Attorneys, explained that the initiative began in 2019 as a way to bring the spirit of Christmas to children who are unable to attend festive gatherings.
“Christmas at the Hospital started in 2019 when my friends and I decided to do something for Christmas. We chose to visit a hospital and give items to children on admission. The key focus is children who can’t attend Christmas parties. So, we bring the Christmas parties to them and also reach out to mothers who have just given birth,” Olaniyan said.
Olaniyan continued, “This year, we visited two states: Lagos and Abuja. In Lagos, we renovated a creche at the Bagada General Hospital and distributed Christmas packs to the children. For Abuja, we provided mattresses, two wheelchairs, a CPAP machine, a suction pump, and an infusion pump. These are very expensive hospital items, but we decided to give them because the hospital identified them as essential during a needs assessment.”
The success of this initiative was made possible by partnerships with organizations such as NALA, a payment solutions company, and Eilish Consulting, who supported the foundation’s mission with their generous contributions. Olaniyan expressed his gratitude to all involved, noting that their support made this year’s donations possible.
The foundation’s efforts do not end with the Christmas season. Olaniyan shared plans for future initiatives, stating, “Next year will be bigger and better. We might expand to a third, fourth, or even fifth state. Love is one of the greatest things humanity needs. If, as humans, we show love constantly, it helps the whole world. This could eliminate conflict and war.”
In addition to “Christmas at the Hospital,” the foundation runs several projects throughout the year, including Project Smile, which supports children in need, and the upcoming Food Bank Nigeria initiative, aimed at providing food for those experiencing hardship.
Head of the Pediatrics Department at University Teaching Hospital Abuja, Dr. Eno Ekop expressed her deep appreciation for the donation, especially the medical equipment, which she described as essential to improving service delivery.
“These items are really needed to aid our service delivery, and we are incredibly grateful for them,” Dr. Ekop said.
Pastor Philip Olubakin of the Supernatural Life Church also spoke about the importance of the initiative.
He emphasized the joy and support that the donations bring to mothers and children in the hospital, especially during the Christmas season.
“The coming of Jesus into the world was God sharing His love with humanity. That’s the love we are sharing today,” he said.
Olaniyan’s unwavering commitment to showing love and care inspired many, including Pastor Olubakin, who praised the foundation’s efforts.
“I always create time to be here with him because his commitment to showing love and care is truly inspiring,” Olubakin said.
Olu akin noted that the “Christmas at the Hospital” initiative continues to serve as a beacon of hope and love for those who need it most, embodying the spirit of Christmas throughout the year.
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