30th May 2017 – Nearly two dozen organisations in the Wimmera and western Victoria have pitched in with money, services or equipment to build a new hospital in rural Uganda.
Wimmera Base Hospital drug and alcohol program manager John Bosco Odongo has been campaigning for several years in two states to make his vision a reality.
Mr Odongo started the JBO Health Foundation to build a large hospital in Uganda’s Kole District. Kole has an estimated population of 232,000 but only a few basic medical centres.
Uganda’s poor medical care is compounded by a lack of education. Mr Odongo plans to ship donated equipment from Ballarat Health Services, Stawell Regional Health and Wimmera Health Care Group to Uganda.
“I couldn’t do it without help. The transport can get very expensive but I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated.” He said.
Horsham and Beulah Shannon Bros freight company has agreed to store and transport a shipping container of donated medical equipment and computers.
Manager Clayton Shannon said he was happy to pitch in.
“John came around and explained what he was doing asked if we could help,” he said.
Horsham’s Bevanart Signs and Graphics has prepared an aluminium sign for the foundation to thank all the sponsors and donors.
Managers Brad and Justin Stephens said it was a good cause and they created a sign that could be displayed at fundraising events.
Morrow Motor Group owner Wade Morrow donated the use of a four-tonne truck to transport donated equipment.
“I think you should always give back to the community when you can, whether in the financial sense or otherwise,” he said.
“I teach my children that you should try to set aside time to work on something for the community.”
Mr Odongo recruited Horsham Commercial Hotel, Wimmera Outdoors and Surf One part owner Gary Jelly, who has a heavy vehicle licence, to drive the truck.
“It sounded like a good cause, I was glad to help in any way,” Mr Jelly said.
Wimmera Design and Print has supplied raffle tickets and business cards for the JBO Health Foundation volunteers.
Owner and manager Chris O’Connor said he had heard Mr Odongo’s presentation for the hospital.
“It was small thing I could do to help,” he said.
Wimmera Trophies and Gifts has made name badges and Horsham Newsagency owner Michael Vincent has made a cash donation.
