By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Rotary Club of Freetown has donated essential food items and household supplies valued at approximately NLe 25,000 to the King George VI Memorial Home for the Aged, in Grafton, during its annual outreach visit held on Saturday, 16 May 2026.
The donation forms part of the club’s ongoing community service initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups across Sierra Leone. The items donated are expected to cater to the nutritional and basic welfare needs of both residents and staff of the home over the coming weeks.
In addition to providing material support, members of the Rotary Club of Freetown spent time interacting with residents through shared meals, conversations and social activities, reinforcing the significance of companionship and emotional wellbeing among elderly citizens.
Speaking to The Calabash Newspaper, Project Chairman, Dr. Muriel Harris, explained that the annual visit reflects the club’s longstanding commitment to supporting the King George VI Memorial Home for the Aged. She noted that while the club has consistently provided food, clothing and other essential supplies over the years, its interventions have expanded to include addressing critical infrastructure challenges, particularly access to water.
Dr. Muriel Harris disclosed that the Rotary Club of Freetown, through its “Water is Life” initiative, is currently collaborating with World Hope International to construct a new well at the facility. According to her, the initiative followed an assessment that identified access to clean water as one of the major challenges affecting the wellbeing of residents.
She explained that a previously installed well at the home is no longer functional, prompting efforts to secure a replacement. She added that a suitable location has already been identified for the construction of the new water facility, which is expected to significantly improve living conditions at the home.
Dr. Muriel Harris further stated that the club’s continued engagement with the institution is guided by a long-established relationship and a commitment to sustaining meaningful community projects rather than frequently changing areas of focus. She emphasized that the home plays an important role in caring for elderly persons whose fundamental needs, including shelter, care and safety, may not otherwise be adequately met.
Highlighting the broader impact of the intervention, she revealed that the Water is Life project has been in existence for 18 years, supported by international partners, including the Fishers Rotary Club of Indiana, which assists in mobilizing funding through annual fundraising efforts.
Also speaking, Past President of the Rotary Club of Freetown, Dr. Durodami Lisk, described Rotary as a global volunteer-driven organization committed to humanitarian service and community development. He explained that members dedicate their time, expertise and financial resources to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
Dr. Durodami Lisk clarified that while the Rotary Club of Freetown supports the King George VI Memorial Home for the Aged through donations and social engagement, the management and admission of residents remain solely under the responsibility of the institution.
He noted that Rotary’s involvement represents one of several partnerships contributing to the welfare of the home, stressing that the club remains committed to offering not only material assistance but also emotional support through regular human interaction with residents.
Dr. Durodami Lisk also called for greater public awareness and participation in Rotary activities, noting that the organization continues to welcome professionals interested in contributing to community development and humanitarian service.
Counsellor at the King George VI Memorial Home for the Aged, Joyce John, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Club of Freetown for what she described as a timely and meaningful intervention. She stated that the donated items would greatly support the daily operations of the facility while improving the wellbeing of residents.
Joyce John commended the club for its consistency and sustained commitment to the welfare of the elderly, highlighting the positive impact created not only through material support but also through the time spent interacting with residents.
The annual outreach visit once again highlights the Rotary Club of Freetown’s dedication to combining practical support with compassion and human connection, reflecting its broader mission of improving lives and strengthening communities across Sierra Leone.
