Shrewsbury-based international charity scoop £100,000 donation
A Shropshire-based international charity has been handed a £100,000 donation to double the size of its orphanage, the charity boss revealed today.
Medic Malawi has scooped the huge donation from the Toy Trust – a charitable foundation supported by company chiefs from the toy industry – to build the orphan house in the Mtunthama region of the third world country.
Stephen Drew, who took over the charity last year after retiring as Principal of Wrekin College, said it was the biggest donation in the 10-year history of the charity.
The money will now see Wrekin Orphan House – originally built after students at Wrekin College raised more than £20,000 – more than doubled in size and house 100 children and their carers.
The orphan house was originally built for 48 children but due to its success and the demand due to the rising number of children left orphaned, there are currently 72 youngsters crammed into the building.
Mr Drew, who runs the charity from his home in Belle Vue said: “This is an amazing donation and one which will not only see the orphan house doubled in size but also ensure the running costs are met for the next two years.
“Some of the most important people from the toy industry have ensured this has happened – it really is overwhelming news for Medic Malawi and all of its dedicated supporters in Shropshire and across the UK.”
Mr Drew made a presentation about the work of the charity and the desperate need for funds to the bosses of Lego and Crayola at the head office of High Street toy store The Entertainer.
Mr Drew said they were expecting work to start very soon on the construction of the new orphanage.
The Toy Trust will primarily fund the project through its Three Peaks Challenge in July which will see more than 100 toy executives raise over £90,000 in sponsorship by climbing Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis all within 24 hours.
Nick Austin, Toy Trust chairman and event co-ordinator said: “We are all very excited and inspired by our partnership with Medic Malawi and the knowledge that we will make a dramatic and positive change to the lives and prospects of 48 orphaned children.
“It is also very uplifting to have over 100 executives from all areas of the toy business giving their time and money so generously and reflects positively on our industry's generous human spirit.”
It is hoped the new orphan house will be open by September. Anybody who would like to find out more about Medic Malawi or raise any funds should visit www.medicmalawi.org or call Mr Drew on (01743) 614597.
