#PurpledToStopEbola campaign launched in aid of Sierra Leone children

Sierra Leone

International charity - Melqosh Mission has launched its global #PurpledToStopEbola campaign. 

In a bid to raise funds for the children of Sierra Leone that have become orphans as a result of the deadly Ebola virus, the charity is encouraging supporters to donate and wear purple for a day, a week or the entire month.

To show your solidarity, and to help create a purple reign of hope for those affected by the disease, Melqosh is asking for £3 donations or more to the cause and wear something purple during this month. 

Faith Okrafo-Smart, Founder of Melqosh Mission International said: "Since the outbreak of this devastatingly cruel and senseless virus, over 7,000 children across Sierra Leone have become orphans. 

"We are committed to making a real change in the lives of these children and hope this campaign will help us raise enough funds to set up an orphanage to give them a new start and a network of hope and opportunity.”

"So please tell your friends, share the news with all, and let’s get Purpled together to Stop Ebola."

Ellen Thomas, Award-winning Actress and Campaign Ambassador said: “I was honoured when asked to champion the great work being done by this amazing charity. It's such a blessing for me personally to be able to give back, help fundraise and bring awareness to Ebola orphans in the country of my birth Sierra Leone.” 

“Please wear something PURPLE and make a donation of £3. Yes that's £3 (more if you can afford it). Don't forget to post your selfie of you in purple.”

Melqosh Mission International is a non-profit organisation, set up six years ago to aid, equip and empower the amputee victims of the Sierra Leone Blood Diamond-fuelled war. 

Since the outbreak of the Ebola disease, it has expanded its charitable reach by setting up a series of targeted Ebola Crisis Food Aid Programmes to support the vulnerable communities that have been ravaged by the illness.  

To date, their fundraising efforts have permitted them to provide donations to amputees, their families, orphans and widows at over 10 amputee locations/camps across Sierra Leone.

Donations so far have included:

  • anti-bacterial products
  • bags of rice
  • gallons of oil
  • packs of clean water and monetary gifts to amputees, orphans and widows.

In addition, they have distributed thousands of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to war amputees, orphans and widows. 

Melqosh Ambassadors include: Ellen Thomas – Award Winning Actress; Pauline Long – Founder of BEFFTA Awards; and Amber Ekomie – Founder of Bloom Consultancy.

Patrons of Melqosh include: Anni Domingo - Actress; Rakie Ayoola - Actress; and Richard Taylor - Founder of the Damilola Taylor Trust.

To join this campaign, donate £3 or more via http://melqoshmissioninternational.org  or http://www.gofundme.com/PurpledToStopEbola and wear something purple this month; using the hashtag #PurpledToStopEbola, post pictures of your purple ensemble on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social sites to share your purpled experiences!