Happy new year to you and welcome to 2025. We are fortunate to keep the Foundation going thanks to the support you provide as our partners over the years.
As we start the year, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support during what has been a challenging year for many in 2024. We’ve witnessed an unprecedented demand for support as vulnerable members of our communities struggle with the rising cost of living. Yet, through it all, your unwavering help has enabled us to respond swiftly and effectively to these growing needs.
Our Year in Review
Supporting Vulnerable Families
This year has seen significant growth in our support network. We now assist over 74 widows and over 110 children through direct financial support and empowerment programs. We’ve provided essential food parcels and helped with basic living expenses, ensuring families can maintain their dignity during difficult times.
Festive Support
December has been a particularly active month for the foundation. We provided festive food parcels to over 40 widows in Nigeria, bringing joy during the holiday season. Locally in Scotland, we partnered with Westhill community church to prepare and distribute festive hampers to Foodbanks, ensuring everyone could celebrate during this special time of year.
Education Support
We’re proud to report that all children in our program have continued their education without interruption. We have recorded new Universities and high schools admissions, with amazing results from high schools and lots more.
Our support has included but not limited to providing:
- School fees coverage for all terms
- Essential stationery and supplies
- School uniforms
- Annual scholarship programs
Annual Football Tournament – The 2024 LWF football tournament was held in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 5th. This exciting event saw over 100 children displaying excellent football skills. In partnership with WestDyke Community Football Aberdeen, 5 Stars of Egbeda, and Football Ambassadors Lagos Nigeria, we supported over 100 kids.
Healthcare Making a Difference
In May 2024, we celebrated World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a groundbreaking initiative. Working with RADi, one of our local partners in Kaduna Nigeria, we trained over 11 women in making reusable sanitary pads. These women are now sharing their skills within their communities, creating a sustainable impact. We’ve also continued providing emergency medical support to vulnerable community members, with a special focus on maternal healthcare.
Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support
Our partnership with Westhill Community Church Aberdeen in Scotland continues to flourish. We’ve provided essential care packages including clothing, hygiene items, and toiletries to those arriving with minimal possessions and currently hosted as refugees.
Our Change Agents
A special thank you to our dedicated volunteers – Our Change Agents. Their tireless commitment has been crucial in delivering our services and responding to increasing community needs selflessly.
Looking Forward to 2025 Growing Our Support Network
Building on our current base of 74 widows and 110 children, we aim to extend our reach to more vulnerable families. With the cost-of-living challenges continuing to affect our communities, we’ll strengthen our food security programs and essential support services. Our goal is to develop more sustainable solutions that help families build long-term resilience.
We would also like to extend an invitation to more volunteers from any background.
Expanding Educational Support
We’ll continue our successful education programs while looking to increase the number of children we
can support through our annual scholarship programme. By working closely with schools in Nigeria, we
aim to create more comprehensive educational support packages that include not just fees, but all essential materials and uniforms.
New Trustees Announcement
We are pleased to welcome John and Christine to the leadership as trustees of the foundation. Both will be bringing invaluable experience to help shape our activities as we look forward to more successes in the years to come.
Summary
Finally, LWF would love to continue to do more in this area if we can grow funds for operation. All we have achieved and still hope to achieve is only possible with your continued financial support.
Your donations make the following difference:
- £20 pays for 1 child’s school stationary for a term.
- £30 pays for 1 child’s school fees for 1 term
- £60 pays for a child’s uniform over the school year
- £80 pays for a child’s clothing essential for a year
- £150 provides emergency medical bills for pregnant women with no support and relief materials to many.
- £1200 can fund the entire annual funding needed for a child on our scholarship program
To make donations, please visit our website, www.lydiawilsonfoundation.org.
Alternatively, if you wish to make a One-off payment or to set up a frequent donation please drop us an email at lydiawilsonfoundation1@gmail.com and we will respond with the bank account details.
Please help us share with your friends and families the good work we are doing. This is by far the easiest way to grow financial support for the foundation.
How You Can Help, visit our website today – Donate – Lydia Wilson Foundation
Thank You
Your support makes all of this possible. Together, we’re building stronger and more resilient communities.
Lydia Balogun-Wilson