Shropshire people urged to get their frying pans out for charity launch
A new Shropshire charity boss is urging people to get their frying pans out to host "a big breakfast" to help celebrate the launch of the county charity.
Stephen Drew, from Shrewsbury, who runs Medic Malawi said the "Big Breakfast" would hopefully see supporters cook a breakfast for their friends and family and help people learn more about the work the charity does.
The Big Breakfast for Malawi will be held from February 24 to 26.
Medic Malawi, which was launched 10 years ago by a couple in Plymouth, has recently been taken over by Mr Drew, the former principal of Wrekin College in Wellington.
Malawi is particularly close to Mr Drew as he taught in the Mtunthama region of Malawi before moving to Wrekin College.
During his career at the Wellington college he launched a fundraising campaign with students which saw them raise tens of thousands of pounds to fund Wrekin Orphan House which is now home to 65 youngsters in Mtunthama.
Mr Drew said: "I thought the Big Breakfast would be a lovely way for people to raise money for the charity as they would be enjoying each other's company at the same time.
"We are asking people to ask a few friends around for breakfast - whether this be a full fry up or a healthier option - it doesn't matter.
"The host will provide the food and then guests will be asked to make a donation to Medic Malawi.
"The vital thing about Medic Malawi is that every penny gets there, absolutely nothing is taken for administration - what we give is what they get.
"The information is now on the website and includes invitation cards, Gift Aid forms and colouring cards for younger diners who want to take part and also details of how to send the raised money.
"I hope it will be a very successful way of raising much needed funds and everyone will have an enjoyable time too. "If it works we may make it one of the charity's main annual fundraising events."
Mr Drew said even if just 80 people paid £5 for breakfast at friends' homes across the county then that £400 would pay to run the whole orphan house of 65 children for 10 days, or £250 would sponsor a hospital bed for a whole year."
Mr Drew is also enjoying touring the county talking to groups about the charity and its work.
Anybody interested in hosting a Big Breakfast or booking Mr Drew for a talk should visit www.medicmalawi.org or call Mr Drew on (01743) 614597.
