A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Happy People Network (HPN), has raised and donated funds and materials to the Little Saints Orphanage, Dopemu, a suburb of Lagos.

The non-profit, non-political group, made up of mostly women, at a fund-raising event, which took place in Lagos recently, also established a coalition of caring professionals and entrepreneurs committed to consistently reaching out to the needy in Nigeria through contributions sourced from annual donations by members.

Speaking at the occasion, Reverend Mrs. Dele George, Founder of the orphanage, said it was an arm of Strong Tower Mission, a Christian charity organisation, set up in October 1993 with the aim of mitigating the emotional, material and spiritual burdens of the underprivileged in the society through Family Relief Centers, which has equally contributed to the rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of numerous orphans, abused, and abandoned children in the country.

"Since inception, the orphanage has rehabilitated over four hundred children and most of these children were found malnourished, dehydrated and traumatised, some suffering from serious ailments such as tuberculosis, hernia and infections caused by the adverse environment in which they were abandoned", she said.

One source of joy in the ministry, she said , was the adoption of some of the children, who had suffered mentally, emotionally, and physically, stating that adoption had minimised the effects of the trauma the children had undergone through child abandonment, which made their sacrifice worthwhile.

Dr. (Mrs.) Ify Maduka Nwakwesi, National Co-ordinator, HPN, commended Mrs. George for her effort in the orphanage, appealing to the guests to donate for the upliftment and improvement of the place.

She further stated that the committee would ensure that all money donated was used to the benefit of the needy, claiming that making such a contribution was not an obligation, but an opportunity to give something back to society.

"The organisation will not only involve itself directly with caring for the needy and handicapped, but will equally fund credible organisations that are involved in the day-to-day management of the needy and also fund some special projecsts", Nwakwesi said.

The Happy People Network organises various activities for members and teach skills that could help promote happy and successful lives while building an extensive network of dedicated entrepreneurs and professionals that could touch the lives of all the needy in the country through their contributions.