15 four ball vouchers are on offer from supporting local golf clubs - why not enjoy a round of golf and help support the Foundation!
Just three hundred days after returning from the Northern Gambian village of Sittanunku, Stevenage FC Foundation are preparing to head back to the African country to continue their fantastic work.
Last year the charity took 15 volunteers to the village to coach, teach and build an adventure playground, falling in love with the village so much that the Foundation staff have been sponsoring its football academy from their monthly wages.
On the 3rd April the Foundation will set off again, this time with even more volunteers including six local Primary School teachers, Foundation Coaches, a solicitor, accountant and a 74 year old retired supporter. The recruitment process began back in May 2014 when over 60 people attended an information evening at The Lamex Stadium. Following a series of unique interview stages, 40 volunteers from all walks of life were selected for the trip and the mammoth task of fundraising £40,000 began.
Since June the trip has faced several barriers as a result of the deadly Ebola virus which has caused thousands of deaths within the West of Africa. Fortunately Gambia has at no point been infected by the virus, with only one isolated case appearing in bordering country Senegal. Unfortunately though the countries prime industry tourism has seen a 70% down turn, with many European tourists opting for alternative destinations. Consequently, flights to the country have been cut to just a single weekly flight and the groups flights changed, meaning many volunteers are now unable to go.
Yet the show must go on and will do with 22 volunteers traveling out on Good Friday to coach, teach and regenerate the Mansa Wally Football Academy, installing dugouts made by Head Groundsman John Ryder, new goals and twelve solar powered floodlights. All this equipment were sent to The Gambia back in October in a 40 foot shipping container containing local donations, including medical supplies, bikes, educational materials and an array of sports equipment.
Yet there is one final barrier still to overcome…
The Foundation and its volunteers have achieved its £40,000 fundraising target and require a final £1,000 to pay for unexpected shipping and custom fees on the container containing materials for the trip, as a result of heightened importation legislations caused by the Ebola virus.
In order to raise the final £1,000 the Foundation are holding a Four Ball Frenzy Auction, auctioning off 15 Four Ball Vouchers from supporting local golf clubs. So why not grab yourself a bargain, enjoy a round of golf with your mates and help the Foundation continue to make a difference in both our local community and Sittanunku’s.
The auction items can be found at http://ebay.eu/1BZEfpg and the auction closes next Sunday 8th March so be quick!