By- Audrey Raymonda John

Sierra Leone’s fastest growing foundation the “Big Apple” family has engaged with Homeless people across different sections in Freetown sharing well-prepared meal and engaged them on peace and non-violence discussions.

Inspired by the need to alleviate the gnawing poverty and hunger on the streets of Freetown across Cotton Tree, PZ, Wilberforce and Lumley, the Big Apple Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has set up a catering outfit for the Needy and Homeless in the most remote and poverty stricken communities in Freetown to mitigate the menace of hunger related crimes in Freetown.

Speaking on the need of this mission, the Executive Director of Big Apple Family, Joseph Patrick said “we exist as a foundation and as an answer to the call of many Sierra Leoneans in poverty and hunger as even many who have jobs are still unable to eat,” he stated. He continued saying that the food distribution is a sacrifice done by patriotic and selfless Sierra Leoneans across the world, who believe in humanity and have the heart of changing lives.

“No medication in the world can cure hunger and doing this little help to our people gives us the greatest joy,” Mr. Patrick affirmed.

It was a mammoth crowd gathering during the Easter celebration as disable and homeless people across the various joints were fed with well-prepared meal, dished out on a first come first serve basis.

One of Big Apple Coordinator, Sister Martha revealed that among the many plans of the organization is to operate as a full-fledge homeless shelter, “where people who don’t have place permanent place to sleep can come in and sleep and get up in the morning and go about the day’s routine and come back in the night to sleep,” she said. She continued saying that “We are not only looking at feeding people but also see how we can empower them through vocational training skills, which will serve as a rehabilitation center.”

Spokesperson for the Foundation, Apostle Solomon Kalokoh said many have viewed the foundation as money laundering but said Big Apple is far from that light. Apostle Solomon said that Big Apple is a total sacrifice and commitment by patriotic Sierra Leoneans who intend to serve the nation and people. “We believe only in human changes,” he concluded.

Chairlady for the disable and homeless people, Madam Kadiatu Sesay thanked the Big Apple Family for such patriotic and philanthropic gesture. She said the food distribution is a blessing that shows that people in society still consider them as human beings. On behalf of her people, she assured Big Apple Family that they will work towards non-violence and keep the peace of the land.