By Josephine Agbonkhese

In an effort to cushion the plights of the masses amid worsening economic crunch, a non-profit, Stop Hurting People Foundation, recently organised a relief rally in Cross River State, bringing together over 1,000 men, women and children.

The event, which witnessed the distribution of food items such as rice, beans, gari; clothing items; and medical checks accompanied by prescriptions and medications, had over 19 volunteer medical personnel including doctors, pharmacists, optometrists and nurses on site.

It also witnessed the distribution of reading glasses following eye-checks by optometrists.

Speaking on the rationale behind the intervention, Pastor Eunice Iferi Chukwuemeka, Founder, Stop Hurting People Foundation, said the organisation has, in the last 18 years, carried out similar charity outreaches thrice every year.

She, however, noted that the frequency had been reduced to once a year since 2021 due to certain constraints.

She went on: “During COVID, we reached out to over ten thousand Nigerias in palliatives and cash distribution.

“During the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, we were the first charity organisation that went round the nation sensitising people on Ebola in collaboration with our UK volunteers, distributing hand gloves and sanitisers.”

Among dignitaries at the event were some government functionaries.

Also present were Coordinator of the Cross River State Chapter of the foundation, Dr Saviour Ezeh; Head of the Host Community, Architect Emmah Gospel Isong with his wife, Bishop Hellen Isong; and Dr Ejiro Asuk, Lead Doctor; amongst others.