Charity, Health and Me

Charity, Health and Me!
‘Lanre Fatokun
I saw a woman begging for alms a fewdays ago.
Her story:
Son had an accident on the way to school;
Mother couldn’t afford the treatment.
Hospital says Mother take your son home.
Difficult to believe right?
Right! Unfortunately, there are worse situations that are undoubtedly true!
In 2008, a relative was hospitalized at The General Hospital, Gbagada Lagos.
One day I went to the Pharmacy to pick some drugs for her.
A cashier threw some money back at someone in my presence. His money was about NGN 200 short.
I was amazed at the unflinching lack of feelingg and rudeness of the cashier; and astounded that someone could actually lack NGN200 for such essentials as drugs! I gave him NGN500 to get the drugs.
Was that the worst? No!
About 2 days later, I was back at the Pharmacy. A woman left the cashier and went to sit down. She exclaimed, “how I wish someone could give NGN50 to complete this money!”
I went to her and asked what she said!
She repeated it. I quickly gave her NGN500 again!
Another day I was at the same Pharmacy, I met another young guy whose money was not complete. Another NGN500!
He was so grateful he asked for my phone number but I declined!
The great thing is that with as little as NGN500, NGN200, NGN50!
But often, we close our eyes and ears to our environment!
– Your gateman’s children do not go to school, and that would cost very little.
– A neighbour lost his job; some food stuff would make a difference!
Not necessarily for a reward, but for the fulfilment that comes from usefulness!