Uganda charity mission given a boost

Jim Burns and Helen Whittaker

Dale Season Ticket holder Helen Whittaker, who is going to Uganda this summer on a charity mission, was given a boost on Tuesday night after receiving a donation towards the cause from the Andrew Kelly Foundation.

Helen and her son Jack are travelling to Uganda with a team from the charity ‘Mission Direct’ to help build a school for the region’s disabled children.

After hearing about the appeal, Rochdale AFC Director Andrew Kelly wanted to help.
Through his foundation, which was formed in 2007 to help raise funds for local charities and deserving causes with an emphasis on children and young people, a cheque was presented to Helen during half time at Dale’s Sky Bet League Two match against Portsmouth on Tuesday night. Old football shirts were also donated, which will be given to kids in the region.

Helen commented: “I would like to say thank to the Andrew Kelly Foundation for their generous donation.

“We are going to work in a remote rural community in Rukungiri, helping to build a proper school for the region’s children with disabilities. We will also be working with teachers to provide the best possible education for some of the world’s poorest children, so the money received will go towards helping us do that.

“Being born with a disability in Uganda means life as a second class citizen. Children are often shunned by their families and don’t get a proper education.

“Many of the teachers have little or no training and few resources – the experience we will share with them will be seized upon and treasured. We aim to help to offer some of the world’s poorest children the best possible education and leave a lasting legacy with the teachers.”

Helen is still on the look-out for old replica shirts, if you wish to donate a shirt you can drop them off at the Dale Trust desk on a matchday. This is located in the Ratcliffe Bar.
More details of the charity can be found on the Mission Direct website.