Managers of private and public orphanages in the Ashanti Region have disclosed how support from Luv/Nhyira Abodoo, an annual event organised by the Multimedia Group in Kumasi has impacted on lives of inmates and caretakers.

They say cash donations, clothes and food items they receive at the annual program as part of the Group's corporate social responsibility to the needy have saved many inmates from starving.

The cash-strapped homes say cash and food items received from the company for several years have been the main source of funding for second-cycle and tertiary education of inmates.

The managers made these observations as 27 orphanage homes received clothes, food items and amount of ¢147,000.

Inmates participated in dancing and poetry recital competitions as they ate and made merry.

In observance of Covid-19, each home was allowed to present only five representatives while all health and safety protocols were strictly adhered to.

The annual event's cash donations increased with over 35 per cent from previous year's event.

Beneficiaries received averagely between ¢6,000 and ¢12,000 cash in addition to clothes and food items.

For managers of these homes, support from Luv/Nhyira Aboodoo means a lot.

“Formerly we did not have a toilet facility. Through Nhyira Aboodoo, we have constructed a four seater toilet.

“We lacked access to potable water. Through Nhyira FM’s initiative, we have a tap. Even we did not have a reception for our guests, but we have put up a temporal reception using the funds from Nhyira Aboodoo. We have also cemented our premises as well,” Kwame Arhin-Love, CEO of Charlie Care and Needy Foundation said.

“The funds we got helped us further the education of some children in our care. Thanks to Nhyira FM, we are able to feed the children.

“We thank the organisers of the Nhyira Abodoo programme,” added Jacoba Osei, an official of Kumasi Children’s Home.

On her part, Comfort Klu of the SOS Children’s Village Kumasi said, “The SOS Children’s Village has benefited from Nhyira Abodoo. We are able to pay the school fees and ensure the healthcare of the children. Clothes are also provided for the children”.

Programmes Director of Nhyira FM, Benjamin Fiifi Ocran is happy with the support the Multimedia Group in Kumasi has received from the public.

“We thank all the donors including those in the diaspora who brought us various items. This is the 15^th edition of Nhyira Aboodoo and as a media house, we give back to the society every year.

“We target the vulnerable and less privileged in the society and support them. This is part of our social responsibilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Events and Promotions at the Multimedia Group in Kumasi, Eric Inkoom described this year's event a success despite Covid-19 restricting the number of attendants.

“The event normally records large attendance. This year we thought it wise to invite five children to represent each orphanage. This was to ensure strict adherence to the Covid-19 safety protocols”.