GLORIOUS CHILD OF HOPE FOUNDATION, THE LEAD ORGANIZATION FOR GOOD DEEDS DAY, CELEBRATES THE 2024 GOOD DEEDS ALONGSIDE ITS LOCAL PARTNERS

By Segilola Babalola

Mr. Adetola Olugbenga Bamidele, the Country Lead for Good Deeds and Coordinator of Glorious Child of Hope Foundation, along with its local partners and the Organization for Good Deeds Day, encouraged well-meaning Nigerians to prioritize acts of kindness towards ensuring a comfortable life for all. This was stated during the celebration of 2024 Good Deeds Day held at the Urban Day Grammar School playing ground, Ile Ife, Osun State.

(L-R) Mr Adetola Olugbenga Bamidele with other invited guest 

Mr. Bamidele reiterated that the foundation, a global initiative initiated by visionary businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison since 2007, aims to promote unity through compassionate acts towards humanity, particularly the vulnerable, and the broader environment.

He emphasized, "The transformative power of goodwill begins with a change of heart, is expressed in our words, and ultimately materializes in tangible acts of kindness. Each small act of generosity and deliberate effort has the potential to create waves of goodness beyond our imagination."

This year's national theme for the Good Deeds Day Celebration is "Total Inclusion of Volunteers Towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals Through Good Deeds Day Across Sectors." Aligned with this theme, the campaign has extended to various sectors, including schools, the security sector, communities, streets, and media outlets. The objective is to educate and involve everyone in the noble pursuit of doing good, thereby fostering peaceful coexistence and meaningful development.

"At GDD, we take pride in being a connected community, a compassionate team, and committed givers devoted to bringing smiles to people's faces," Mr. Bamidele remarked. "As we celebrate our volunteers globally this April, we commend them for their kind hearts, optimistic outlooks, unwavering dedication, positive energy, and steadfast commitment to serving their communities."

"To all our members across the states, let us remember the true essence of this special day," he continued. "Good Deeds Day is about spreading kindness and making a positive impact without expecting anything in return. It's about the joy of giving and the ripple effect of goodness that ensues. Let us reflect on the power of selfless acts and how each of us can contribute to making our nation and the world a better place, one good deed at a time. Whether big or small, every act of kindness matters."

During her lecture at the event, Professor Hannah Ajayi from the Institute of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, discussed the theme "Total Inclusion of Volunteers in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Good Deeds Day Across Sectors." She underscored the importance of collective efforts in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting key areas such as poverty eradication, zero hunger, health, education, gender equality, and water sanitation.

Dr. Ogunbamiwo Femi, the Chief Executive Officer of Initiative for Environmental Health Development, emphasized the significance of "Good Deeds Day" as a global celebration aimed at promoting kindness. He urged individuals of all ages to embrace the culture of kindness, stressing its role in restoring moral values in society and the principle of reaping what one sows.

Speaking to reporters, volunteers Dr. Mrs. Taiwo Gbenga and Ms. Babatunde Marvelous emphasized the importance of consistently doing good, regardless of one's resources, and encouraged everyone to extend a helping hand whenever possible.

Highlights of the event is the presentation of certificate of gratitude to the Volunteers.