AHOTOKUROM

AHOTOKUROM – ‘Place of Serenity’

Over 15 years ago now, St Columba’s adopted ‘Ahotokurom’ as a charity that the Parish would support. Ahotokurom is a village in Ghana, established in 1983 to support and rehabilitate sufferers from leprosy and their families. The disease leaves sufferers usually disabled and disfigured, unable to work, and cut off from society. Treatment has been developed to arrest the disease but it is long term, and the village needs external support to operate.

Over the years St Columba’s has raised funds by various means and through the charity Daughters of Mary & Joseph Friends of Ahotokurom, has contributed to the ongoing work and development of the village. Ahotokurom has expanded its work to become a centre for the marginalised, disabled and disadvantaged of the region.

Some examples of the caring work that Ahotokurom (also known as the Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre) carries out can be found at www.ahoto.org/stories. Take a few minutes to have a look and you will surely agree that the support St Columba’s Parish provides is put to good use.

One way in which money is raised is through the “100 Club” which is a draw that takes place four times each year. Half the funds raised from the £10 yearly subscription is paid out in prizes and the remaining half goes to Ahotokurom. Your continued support of the 100 Club is much appreciated.

In addition, money is provided by the generosity of other Parish organisations and raised by events held during the year but we urgently need volunteers to help out at these events. So if you feel like lending a hand, please call Paul Nattrass on 07841 145 790.