MISS237X CHARITY

Emerald EI8HT & MISS237X Donation Drive for Internally Displaced Persons in Douala, Cameroon

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X (formerly known as MISS237TT) organized a significant charity event in Douala, Cameroon. The event was dedicated to supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. With an expenditure of approximately 1 million FCFA, the event aimed to provide essential items such as cash, school supplies, clothing, foodstuff, and other basic necessities. The event was a tremendous success, bringing together the community to support those in need and reaffirming our commitment to humanitarian efforts.

  • The primary objectives of the charity event were:
    1. To provide immediate relief and essential items to IDPs affected by the Anglophone crisis.
    2. To raise awareness about the plight of IDPs and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Anglophone Cameroon.
    3. To foster a sense of community and solidarity among those who flee and are now resident in Douala.
    4. To demonstrate the commitment of Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X to social responsibility and community support.
  • The planning and coordination of the event were undertaken by a dedicated team from Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X. The preparation involved:
    • Identifying Beneficiaries: Partnering with local NGOs and community leaders to identify the most vulnerable IDPs in need of assistance.
    • Fundraising and Budgeting: Raising funds and allocating a budget of approximately 1 million FCFA for the procurement of goods and logistics.
    • Procurement: Purchasing essential items including cash vouchers, school supplies (books, pens, pencils, notebooks), clothing, foodstuff (rice, beans, cooking oil, salt, maggi etc.), and other basic necessities.
    • Logistics: Organizing transportation, venue setup, and coordination with volunteers to ensure smooth distribution of the donated items.
  • The charity event took place at a central location in Douala Bonaberi, chosen for its accessibility to the beneficiaries. The key activities included:
    1. Opening Ceremony:
      • Welcome Address: Representatives from Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X welcomed the attendees and provided an overview of the event’s objectives.
      • Speeches: Community leaders, and OTHERS gave speeches highlighting the importance of supporting IDPs and fostering community solidarity.
    2. Distribution of Items:
      • Cash Envelopes: Distributed to families to help them meet immediate financial needs.
      • School Supplies: Provided to students to ensure their education continued uninterrupted despite the crisis.
      • Clothing: Donated to individuals to help them cope with the loss of their belongings.
      • Foodstuffs: Distributed to ensure that families had access to nutritious meals.
      • Basic Necessities: Included hygiene products and other essential items to improve the quality of life for the IDPs.
    3. Engagement Activities:
      • Interactive Sessions: Beneficiaries were engaged in discussions to understand their needs better and gather feedback on how future assistance could be more effectively provided.
      • Entertainment: A few artists and performers provided entertainment, with games amongst others, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere for the attendees.
    4. Health and Safety Measures:
      • COVID-19 Protocols: Ensured all participants followed health and safety guidelines, including wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, and maintaining social distancing.

The charity event achieved significant positive outcomes:

  1. Immediate Relief: Over 100 IDP families received essential items, alleviating some of their immediate hardships.
  2. Educational Support: School supplies provided to students helped ensure continuity in their education despite the disruptions caused by displacement.
  3. Community Awareness: The event raised awareness about the Anglophone crisis and the challenges faced by IDPs, encouraging more community members to get involved in humanitarian efforts.
  4. Strengthened Partnerships: The collaboration between Emerald Ei8ht, MISS237X, local NGOs, and community leaders strengthened partnerships and laid the foundation for future initiatives.

Several beneficiaries and attendees shared their thoughts and experiences, highlighting the event’s impact:

  • Helen, a mother of three: “This support is a lifeline for my family. The school supplies will help my children continue their education, and the foodstuffs mean we won’t have to worry about our next meal. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
  • Mr Fonyuy Musa, a local community leader: “This event shows that even in difficult times, our community can come together to support those in need. I am grateful to Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X for their commitment to helping IDPs.”
  • Quinta: “Being part of this event was a rewarding experience. It taught me the importance of giving back and the difference we can make when we work together.”

While the event was largely successful, there were some challenges and valuable lessons learned:

  1. Logistical Hurdles: Coordinating the distribution of items to a large number of beneficiaries required meticulous planning and execution. Ensuring that all items reached the intended recipients without delays was challenging but ultimately manageable with the help of dedicated volunteers.
  2. Needs Assessment: Understanding the diverse needs of the beneficiaries was crucial. Future events can benefit from even more detailed needs assessments to ensure that all distributed items are as useful as possible.
  3. Community Engagement: Engaging the community and encouraging more extensive participation from local businesses and organizations can amplify the impact of such initiatives.

Building on the success of this event, Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X plan to continue their commitment to supporting IDPs and other vulnerable groups through their charity initiative.

The charity event organized by Emerald Ei8ht and MISS237X on March 19, 2022, was a resounding success, providing much-needed relief to Internally Displaced Persons based in Douala, Cameroon. The event not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity. The positive impact of this event underscores the importance of continued efforts and collaboration in supporting vulnerable populations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and partners who made this event possible. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the Anglophone crisis and other challenging circumstances.