GIVE GHANA 2011, a philanthropic movement, successfully brought joy and happiness to random people on the streets of Accra this Christmas Eve! Give Ghana began in the December 2010, when six friends were saddled with a paradox: “Why should a festive season like Christmas not be enjoyed by every human, irrespective of social and economic status?”

This concern was shared with others who expressed similar sentiments and felt something had to be done about it. God gave first. He gave unselfishly and sacrificially. In the ultimate demonstration of generosity, God gave His Son, and it was, and still is, this act of giving that inspired 6 individuals to set about with this quest to give. Give Ghana then decided to devote time, energy, resources to reach out to the needy in our society.

Two successfully held editions of Give Ghana projects have preceded this Christmas edition, the first of which took place on the 25th of December, 2010, and the second on the 22nd of April, 2011 (Good Friday). With the help of social media and personal calls to individuals, donations were collected, and Give Ghana volunteers were able to feed and clothe approximately 1000 poor and needy people in Nima, Kanda, Adabraka, National Theatre Area, etc., on both occasions. Some of the items distributed included: Food, water, clothing, shoes, biscuits, etc.

The 2011Christmas edition of the Give Ghana Project stirred up the relevance of giving in people through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. A US and Ghana-based NGO, Passion for an African Child joined our devout team of volunteers thus year around, by donating children’s clothing and toys for distribution. Individuals, from all facets of life have pledged time, money, clothes and use of their cars, for the event. However, this year Give Ghana faced considerable challenges with raising money, as potential donors procrastinated or just plain refused to give anything, blaming hard times and the economy on their inability to donate.

With only two weeks left to the scheduled event, the team was coupled with endless donations of assorted clothing, and only GHc 50. A strategic meeting was held, and immediately, motivated by our own determination to succeed no matter what, within 30 minutes GHC1000 was raised within the team! This inspired the core team members of Give Ghana to practically personify the popular saying ‘charity begins at home’ by dipping into their own pockets and using our close contacts, friends and family. Financial donations began to our in after this, including more clothing donations, bags of rice, bottles of oil, boxes of Indomie, canned food and several other remarkable items.

This year’s Give Ghana Christmas edition took the team of volunteers to the National theatre area, the Kanda underpass, the Scripture Union traffic light area, then to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and the Osu Children’s Home. T each location, the Give Ghana team was welcomed by some wonderful people, and each volunteer handed out food, water, drinks, clothing, and even for some, a word of hope. This edition we had several volunteers, consisting of Israel Laryea, News Editor – Joy FM and Miss Malaika 2010 Ama Nettey.

Preparations are already underway for the Give Ghana 2012 – Easter Edition, so we still invite individuals to join us in giving " ... But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving ... " 2 Corinthians 8:7, 13-14 (New International Version)