A project working to improve the lives of impoverished people in Malawi is desperately seeking new premises after theirs was devastated by a fire less than two weeks ago.
The Malawi Projects had been operating a shop out of the ‘donated’ premises on the Clontylew Road, Portadown before the fire “incinerated” the building and its contents.
The shop, which received public donations of bric-a-brac, had been a vital factor in the group’s fundraising efforts.
Project Founder, Brian Smyth, a retired healthcare manager from Lurgan, said: “The shop was the biggest contributor to funds. We also have monthly donors and hold collections too but the shop was a cornerstone of our fundraising.”
Determined ‘not to miss a beat’ Brian said that they are eagerly searching for a new premises. So far, they have received several offers but as of yet they have been unable to find one that is suitable.
Brian continued: “We have had a couple offers but unfortunately, nothing has worked out so far. We aren’t being fussy or trying to be difficult when we have to turn down a premises. Each move we make costs us money. We have to kit things out or make adjustments, fix things up and if we move we want to try and do it without eating into the funds we have for the people of Malawi.”
Currently, the project is having to find £3,250 a month just to cover the wages of the medical team in Malawi. The team currently provide 12 outreach programmes to those in need of medical care.
Brian added: “I’m not exaggerating when I say that they save lives. They also provide education and treat various ailments. We do as much as we can and we would love to be able to help everyone but the cost of medicine and equipment in Malawi is astronomical.”
In lieu of a premises, the project – which is currently in the process of seeking charity status – is making a return to their original means of raising funds with monthly car boot sales.
Back in 2015, when the project first began to take shape, they relied heavily on car boot sales and fairs. Brian admits it was a challenging way to gain funds, logistically there was a lot involved but, for now, it provides the group with some semblance of normality.
On July 15 they will make a return to one of their favourite and most well attended sites at Granville, Dungannon. This will be their first boot sale in approximately four years. They will then proceed with two boot sales a month for the foreseeable future in both Granville and Dundrum, Co. Down.
In addition to car boot sales, the benevolent organisation have further diversified, taking to selling their wares online. “We have a very supportive group of people who provide us with some of the most high quality items. They could easily sell these things themselves but they want to see the people of Malawi benefit”: said Brian.
The local community have also rallied to provide support with local restaurant Head O’ The Road offering to host a BBQ this Friday night, July 7, with 23 raffle prizes – all kindly donated by local businesses – up for grabs. All proceeds from the evening will be going towards ensuring the continuity of The Malawi Project.
A GoFundMe page – which can be found here – has also been set up by the group to help generate much needed funds. Brian said: “The GoFundMe has been slow but we absolutely understand that. Everyone is experiencing the same pressures. We are so grateful to anyone who has made contributions. We have very generous monthly donors who give anywhere between £5 and £50 per month and some have even increased their donations”.
“I believe in my heart and soul that we can keep it going and continue to fulfil our commitments in Malawi. We will do everything in our power not to let it impact on the work we do”.
The shop is now seeking new premises and anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact Brian on 07712 678082.
