A recent event raised £550 to build a well in drought-stricken Somali.
The initiative for the appeal came from Somalis and Yemenis in Burngreave whose hearts went out to the plight of those in Somalia. While most of the Somali community in Burngreave and Sheffield are from the north of Somalia, the suffering of those in the drought stricken southern province has moved hearts and led to the setting up of the Sheffield Somali Appeal Fund.
The fundraiser, held at the Yemeni Community Association in Attercliffe, was kicked off by speeches from Fatima Deria, Abdul Shaif and police Superintendant John Brennon. Those present then heard Mubarak Hassan speak movingly about how eight million were affected by crop failure; 1.6 million of these being children under 5. Mubarak explained how weakened resistance made children more likely to die from diseases like measles. Abdullah Hassan read a thoughtful piece written as part of A-level course work, contrasting the affluence of the dissatisfied West and its epidemic of obesity with the attitude of those in Somalia, who still bear a smile despite difficulties.
Quality musical entertainment all the way from London in the form of Somali singers Mohamed Suleiman (‘Guray’) and Nimo (‘Degen’) brought the audience to their feet dancing. Another treat involved a hilarious sketch on the theme of ‘sharing’ from the comedy group ‘Timmy and Tommy’, performed by young people from a range of backgrounds.
£20,000 is needed to build the well. £12,000 had been raised before the event, leaving about £7,500 still to be raised. Fatima Deria will be making a field visit to Somalia to help site the proposed well.
If you would like to make a donation, please make a deposit to ‘Sheffield Somali Appeal Fund’, NatWest bank account number: 222 04970, sort code: 56-00-09.