By Francis Kamara
On Saturday 13th November 2021, Q-cell-SL Mobile Company paid a visit and made a huge donation to victims of the 5th November, 2021 fire accident at Wellington.
Isha Mansaray Q-cell Marketing Officer led the team during donations done at Connaught and 34 Military hospitals respectively.
A total of 1,000 face masks, 400 gloves, 200 bandages, 10 bags of rice, 100 bottles of water, 100 packets of custard, 40 dozen tins of milk, 500 pens, and 6 rolls of wool, were distributed between Connaught and 34 Military Hospital.
In presenting the items on behalf of Q-cell-SL, Isha Mansaray expressed her sincere condolence to the victims and their families on behalf of Q-cell.
She mentioned that: “today is not the best of days and from the depths of our hearts we are expressing our deepest condolences”.
Isha Mansaray went on to say that in response to humanity and their corporate social responsibility, they are sympathizing with the victims affected in the tragic incident that will never be forgotten in the history of disaster management in Sierra Leone.
Ibrahim Foday Musa – the Secretary at Connaught Hospital received the items on behalf of the victims. He acknowledged that they are not happy to be receiving donations at this time, but that they are “forced to” because of the situation at hand. Mr. Musa appreciated the staff of Q-cell-SL for not only their kind gesture to humanity, but for them to consider Connaught as a place of trust and to recognize the efforts of staff who are doing their best to see that patients currently fighting between life and death regain their health.
He further went on to say that they have received 88 patients since the terrible incident occurred in which 30 have died so far, and that they have transferred 6 who are in critical condition to the Choithram Hospital. The hospital is currently housing 28 patients and 37 have been discharged. He added that Connaught Hospital is not built for emergencies, but that in such a tragic era, they decided to open their facilities and expand their service to the nation. Mr. Musa concluded by saying that this show of gratitude by Q-cell is a clear manifestation that humanity still exists, adding that he is hoping that the partnership between Q-cell-SL and Connaught Hospital extends to the provision of other services at the hospital. He assured Q-cell-SL and the general public that the items will be used for the intended purpose.
Presenting the items at the 34 Military Hospital, Isha Mansaray from the Marketing unit said it is their corporate social responsibility and also a service to humanity to render help when it is needed. According to Madam Mansaray, leader of the delegation, “this is an unfortunate incident that could happen to anyone, and as new entrants in the mobile network world, we decided to sympathize with victims and the people of Sierra Leone, because the well-being of every Sierra Leonean is our utmost priority”. She mentioned that as a mobile network operator they are working to see that sustainable mechanisms are put in place in the form of sensitization to mitigate such disasters in future.
Lt. Colonel Gertrude A.K Mansaray, Matron at 34 Military Hospital received the items on behalf of the victims and staff of the hospital. She expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the management of Q-cell-SL. She added that they are extremely happy and that the items shall be given to the victims. She also called on other institutions and individuals who have the financial clout to emulate this kind gesture of Q-cell-SL and help the affected victims as “givers never lack”.
