Nwankwo Kanu - The Hero on and off the field!

Nwankwo Kanu, OON (born 1 August 1976), is a Nigerian footballer who is currently a free agent, having last played for Portsmouth. He was also a member of the Nigerian national team for 16 years from 1994 until 2010. He is currently the Special Adviser on Sports Matters, to the Imo State Governor.

 It was after his Atlanta 1996 Gold Medal that his soccer career nearly came to a halting end, based on a medical tragedy. He was diagnosed with a heart defect that threatened to cut short an amazing career that only a gifted talented, focused and hardworking individual could amass. With his firm faith in God, he underwent the heart surgery successfully in Cleveland Hospital, Ohio, US.
This experience inspired him to set up his foundation, Kanu Heart Foundation. 
Click to continue reading plus see another photo...

Hold My Hand Charity Fundraising Event!!!

Hi everyone! Are we ready for this? It will be fun I promise...:)

This is the first fundraising event since HMHC started on September 5, 2012 and I plan to do likewise every quater of the year.
Okay! So this is what I plan to do for you and for the sake of this charity. If you guys want to see me go and teach Igbo language in a primary school here in London then I kindly ask you guys to please donate to HMHC. Igbo is one of Nigeria's six major languages.

This event will run for a month, until December 17, 2012. At the end of the fundraising I will go and teach Igbo to school children on December 18, 2012...hehe...I will take pictures and if possible make a video too...:)

Every penny goes towards quality education for our six children back home in Nigeria who are already enrolled in nursery school.

You can donate via PayPal and bank transfer. All the details are on the left hand side of the blog. Alternatively you can donate via money transfer or bank transfer in Nigeria. Please contact me for more details.

Many thanks everyone!..:)

Naija for Life!

 Hi everyone! Just thought I'd share a bit with you..

It's been 10 weeks since the birth of this charity and blog. It has been wonderful and at the same time challenging, very challenging. Wonderful in the sense that I've finally been able to fulfil one of my biggest dreams and challenging on the other hand because I have to make sure that I continue to walk in this dream. Not just my dream but the dream of many Nigerians. The dream of people who want to live in a peaceful country. The dream of people who want to pay for something and not get another, the dream of a better Nigeria. I can't do this without you. I can't push beyond a certain limit if you don't help me. We all have to do this together. We all have to care for our country and the plagues we face.

You all know there are six children we've been able to enroll into nursery last month. My focus is education. I believe strongly in education and the only way our children can continue with their education is if people like you and I donate to this project. The more you assist, the more people are being helped, the lesser the burden, the greater our future.

Now I know this is not every body's cup of tea. It doesn't have to be your cup of tea but I'm offering you mine. Please sip from my cup and understand my concern. It is all for good.

I'm not ashamed to ask people to donate to this charity. It is my duty to raise funds for our children. I am not doing this to get a pat on the back. My desire is far beyond that. My desire is to see hopeless lives fill with hope, to see a little orphan embrace the love of total strangers and still feel safe in it.

I will keep talking, I will keep asking and I will keep being the fool that I may be. I have no regrets.

I'll be announcing an online fundraising event tomorrow. Please watch out for more info and let's spread the love. Naija for life no be for mouth o! *wink*

Toyin Saraki - Unlikely Activist

Toyin Saraki at the UN Every Woman Every Child dinner on September 25, 2012 in New York, USA.

Toyin Saraki is the former  First Lady of Kwara state, Nigeria. Her Husband Dr Bukola Saraki was the Governor of Kwara state from 2003-2011.

She is the founder of The Wellbeing Foundation, lawyer and International Campaigner for Maternal Newborn and Child Health, Rights and Empowerment.
Continue to read more and also see a video of Toyin Saraki speaking to CNN...

Riri to the rescue of Hurricane Sandy Victims

 According to Globalgrind.com, Pop princess Rihanna is doing her part to help those affected by superstorm Hurricane Sandy, giving 1,000 sleeping bags to the Daily News’ Hurricane Sandy relief effort. On top of that, RiRi will turn her album release party into a rally to collect more material for the needy.

All of this is going down at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in Manhattan. To attend the free event, all you need is to bring something to help the victims.

Fans of the "Diamonds" singer are being asked to bring badly needed basics, like diapers and wipes, coats and blankets, and lots of cleaning supplies. All the items will be packed into a Daily News truck and delivered Saturday to sections of the city that are still recovering from the storm.

In 2010 Riri appeared on the The Oprah Winfrey Show and dedicated her performance of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
After her performance, it was announced that viewers could download the song at "RihannaNow" and Oprah.com, and all of the proceeds were donated to many different relief efforts for Haiti, including the Red Cross, UNICEF, Oxfam America, and Partners In Health.

 Well done Riri! :)

The generous life of late Diana, Princess of Wales

As I told you guys when I started this blog, I mentioned that from time to time I'll be sharing stories of people involved or who were involved with charity work. Today I'm sharing on Princess Diana. A woman who lived for the world but left too soon. Please read...:)

Diana, Princess of Wales, popularly known as Lady Di or Princess Diana, was born 1 July 1961and died on 31 August 1997. She was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she married on 29 July 1981, and member of the British Royal Family. Mother of Princes William and Harry.

She was well known for her fund-raising work for international charities, and an eminent celebrity of the late 20th century. She was known as the people's princess.

Diana is noted for two major contributions to humanitarianism, although during her marriage she was President or Patron of over 100 charities. However, her work with land mines and her work on behalf of HIV/AIDS patients were forever noted in telling photographs and consequently, her efforts in these two areas of humanitarianism are most well known. Click to continue plus more photos...

A Sincere Plea For Peace

I know I'm drifting off the main purpose of this blog but I feel the need to share this with you. They say charity begins at home. Let's learn to love ourselves and love people around us. Let love be in our hearts and not hate. Let's learn to live at peace with others and pray for the peace of Nigeria and her leaders. Please continue...

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, born Agnes Gonxha Bojazhiu on 26 August 1910 in Macedonia and died 5 September 1997. She was commonly known as Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She was an Albanian-born Indian Roman Catholic Nun. According to her " By Blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic Nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus".
She was the youngest child of her parents. Her father, who was involved in Albanian politics, died in 1919 when she was eight years old. After her father's death, her mother raised her as a Roman Catholic.
She left home at age 18 to join the Sisters of Loreto as a missionary in Ireland. She never again saw her mother or sister...

The radiant pupils of Springfield Nursery School...:)

L-R Angel, Nathan, Anthony, Perpetua, Felicity, Goodluck

 

Okay guys! Here we have the latest Nursery School pupils. Looking too cute and smart, huh? Six of them got registered at Springfield Nursery School, Emene, Enugu on 10th October, 2012.
They're all starting from Nursery one and trust me they're very excited about school. I was discussing with the Rev. Sis (Sis Lucy) in charge of the Orphanage where they reside and she was telling me how they wake up every morning excited, jumping up and down and can't wait to get to school. They go to school excited and come back excited. All the neighbours know they're in school...lol...I can imagine how they feel...:) They never stop talking about school. She sounded very excited telling me about them. This brought tears to my eyes and to God be all the glory.
The school is already planning a Christmas party. Loads of fun ahead for them...:)

To everyone reading this, please continue to give. If you have not given please give. Education is the best gift you can give these children and it can only happen through your generosity. You have nothing to loose by blessing these wonderful children. Just look at them. Few weeks ago they didn't know they'll be starting school. Who knows, may be they never thought they would go to school. Only God has brought this favour on them so let's not relent in our giving.

Many thanks to everyone..xx

Congratulations to our six children!

Hi everyone. You remember I told you about six orphans we have chosen to sponsor to school through your generous givings? If you missed it, read it HERE . Well, I'm very pleased to announce to you that the six children, 3 girls and 3 boys have all been registered at Springfield Nursery School, Emene, Enugu, Nigeria. They got registered yesterday October 10th, 2012. They will be starting from Nursery one...:) We bought their uniforms, PE kit, sandals and books and all what they need to start school like every child deserves. They will be joining their mates next Monday, October 15th, 2012 to start classes.
I understand that there is an event for all private schools in Enugu at Okpara Square today and tomorrow so no school till Monday.

We have spent 225,000 Naira to get our kids registered, buy all they need for school and paid 1st term fees. Next up is 2nd and 3rd term fees for the six of them. This will cost us 112,500 Naira per term for the six children.

I will post pictures of them all set and ready for school on Monday. Isn't God just wonderful?

Please, to all who have promised to give don't hold back. You are giving a child, an orphan a chance to fulfill his dreams, make something of his unfortunate story, change our nation, make a difference. Do not hesitate please. Any amount will go a long way.

To all who made this possible, Baba God no deh sleep. Your reward is immeasurable. God bless you all.

He who opens a school door, closes a prison - Victor Hugo

The power of combined strength

With every change in life there is a level of anxiety, fear, doubt, questions etc. The one thing that will motivate you is your determination. With determination comes the strength to pursue your dream, calling or goal.
I am very excited about this charity. It hasn't been easy trying to raise money but with the little we've raised we will be able to enroll our six children in school by next week.
I can't wait for next week to come...:) I'm very excited for the children and the future we're about to give them.
Thank you all for your generosity . Please continue to give and may God reward your kindness.

Will keep you guys posted...:)

More support needed...please give

From L-R Goodluck, Perpetua, Felicity, Anthony and Nathan.

 Hello my people! Hope everyone's doing good.


I want to thank the people that have given to this charity. We have raised £500 so far. This is a wonderful start. Thank you all so much. God bless you and remember you in your time of need. We're getting there gradually...:)

However, we still need £1300 or 325k Naira to complete the fees to be able to secure a full academic year for our children.

School started on September 17th, 2012 and that's one week gone without our children being part of it, yet.
Please I know times are hard but whatever amount you can give will be very helpful. You're not doing this for me. I'm only asking on their behalf if you like. This is not scam. I won't touch your money. The Orphanage is aware of this blog so nothing is hidden. These are Orphans who don't know me and you but have to depend on people like us to eat and perhaps go to school. Nobody prays to be in such situation.

A friend in need is a friend indeed, so guys I'm counting on you all...:) Please give what you can. No amount is too little. There are other needs at this same Orphanage but let's finish with one first before bringing up another.

Please pay to: Nicoleta Atuanya
                       Sort code 40-18-24
                       Account number 71558609
                       HSBC Bank, UK

or send me a mail nicoleatuanya@gmail.com if you're interested in sending money via other means.

Many thanks.

Help make Education possible for these Orphans

From L-R, Goodluck, Perpetua, Felicity, Anthony and Nathan

Hey guys! I'm back again. Thought I was going to post this earlier than now but things got a bit delayed. So sorry..:)
Like I said in the introduction, I'm going to take this project one step at a time so please bear with me if I don't meet your expectations...:)

The first case we'll be dealing with is that of 6 Orphans - pictured above. I'm yet to get the details and pic of the 6th child as she wasn't around the day the pics were taken.
These are children who live at the Guardian Angel Motherless Babies Home in Emene, Enugu. They are being looked after by the Catholic church through donations from people. In other words, they eat and have shelter because people have given towards this purpose.
The Catholic church obviously is doing a wonderful job by looking after these kids but they can do with more help. This help is none other than educating these kids. These children are not able to start Nursery school due to lack of funding. I have taken it upon myself to see that me and you raise money to send these children to school. Education is the key and cannot be overemphasized. Like every other thing in life, there's always a starting point. These children are less than 4 years old so this is their time to start Nursery school. Some of you might think Nursery school is not a serious step but don't forget that you have to count 1 before you can count 2.
This is a heavy burden in my heart and I'm loosing sleep knowing that these children literally depend on the donations from people. There's no mother nor father but kindhearted people who are willing to show them love. Such is life for some people unfortunately.

We have found a Nursery school for the children. The name of the school is Springfield Nursery/Primary school, Emene, Enugu.  The cost is 75,000.00 Naira or roughly £300 per year/ child. It includes, tuition, uniforms, registration fees, books, etc. It means that for every 75,000,00 raised a child is assured of schooling for one year. In total, we would need 450,000.00 per year for the six children. The Orphange has a bus so transportation will not be a problem.  School starts next Monday, 17th September, 2012.
Guys please I need your help! We can all do this. No amount is too little. Whatever you can give will go a long way. We need to send these kids to school. Let's give them a brighter future.

Please pay to: Nicoleta Atuanya
                       Sort code 40-18-24
                       Account number 71558609
                       HSBC Bank, UK

Please send me an email nicoleatuanya@gmail.com if you want to transfer money to a Nigerian account or any other means of money transfer to the UK/Nigeria so I can provide you with the details.
Yes we can!! Thanks and God bless as you give...:)

Introducing Hold My Hand Charity...:)

Dear friends, family, loved ones and future friends, it is my humble desire to introduce my charity/ blog to you. The name of the charity is Hold My Hand Charity. I chose this simple name because it describes the aim of this blog/project. Anybody can understand what it means to hold someone's hand in whatever language it is spoken. You don't need a dictionary for this..:)

To hold someone's hand means to help them do what they can't do on their own - assistance. You offer comfort, reassurance, hope and help. When we hold hands, it's  sign of agreement, peace, unity, friendship and love. This is literally what this blog is all about-helping people in need. Giving that little support that will go a long way.

Hold My Hand Charity(HMHC) is a project that has been on my mind for years, over a decade. I have nursed the idea of expanding my already large heart (I think) to help people in need, most especially children.
I started thinking about it more seriously 18 months ago and for whatever reason I just couldn't lay my hands on the task. I spoke to a few friends about this project and the support I got from them was immense. They were ready to offer any assistance I needed but there I was holding back, yet again! Just didn't know where or how to start. However, I believe enough is enough of the procrastination. I've decided that no matter how little I start I must start now. At times I'll find myself awake at 2-3am just thinking about how to help people in need. How to put a smile on a face. It is a serious burden and I'm glad God has finally given me the courage to stand in the gap for people in need.
This is a passion more than anything else. I love to help.

The main aim of this blog is to raise money for children in need in Nigeria. Starting with Enugu state. These group of children will include, Orphans, motherless babies, the sick , abandoned children and children who are victims of abuse and neglect. The list is endless when it comes to charity but I want to take it step by step. There's no rush as this will be a continuous project by God's grace...:)

The money raised will go towards feeding, clothing, health care, recreation and leisure and most importantly education.
I intend to extend the helping hand to adults as well but that will be later as the project grows and expands.
I will also be sharing stories about people who have been involved with charity work.
I believe it is time for me to crack on with this task and that's why I hope everyone reading this or hears about it will be moved to give towards this good cause.
I want this blog/project to be fun and interactive yet a goal that must be pursued with all seriousness.

I know there are so many NGOs out there, yet you wonder why millions are dying from hunger alone not to talk of sickness and other deadly causes. A dear friend asked if I was the Messiah to save the world. Well, I can't even compare myself to Christ so definitely can't save the world but I promise to give my best and do my best to help save the little world around me that I can see and touch.

I will be open and transparent with regards to money and items donated. I owe you every explanation so please don't hesitate to ask any questions related to this charity. If you're ever in doubt about anything please ask questions and I'll clarify as best as I can. I'm not here to play games or deceive anyone. This is a promise.

I will provide two accounts where money can be paid in. One in Nigeria and one in the UK. Other means of money transfer will be accepted as long as it's convenient.
I also have people I will be working with in Nigeria as I can't operate alone from the UK.

Okay! I will not waste any more time on the introduction. We will talk some more as time goes on. I will be posting the first case to tackle in the next few days. Please any suggestions, comments and advice are welcome.

I want to use this opportunity to thank my wonderful family who have always stood by me, given me all the support and courage needed to make this dream a reality. You've been my rock through it all. I couldn't ask for a better family. I love you all.
A well deserved thank you to Chinedu Ugbam and Adetokunboh Adeniyi who have helped make this dream come true. Without your support I would still be in procrastination mode. I appreciate you guys and I say a big thank you. True friends you are.

Alright guys! Thank you for reading and I hope we can get the ball rolling soonest! Come on friends we can do it!..:) Let's donate towards this good cause and change these little lives for good. 
Once again, thank you!