Former Hamilton Grammar pupils raise funds for Kenyan charity work

Jul 31 2008 by Lesley Brown, Hamilton Advertiser

AROUND £3500 was last week raised for Vision Africa by two ex-Hamilton Grammar pupils who work for the charity in Kenya.

Deborah Ross (27) and 32-year-old Kirsty McLullich hosted “an evening of African flavours” in Glasgow on July 17 to boost funds for the children’s charity and raise awareness of the projects they support.

Deborah, whose parents Chris and Ruth Ross still live in Silvertonhill, has worked for Vision Africa for around seven years.

The charity was set up by her grandparents in 2001, and she went to Kenya to help them get their first training centre started.

There are now four such centres, called Seed of Hope, which help destitute teenage girls learn a variety of vocational skills.

Kirsty lived in Larkhall and worked as an accountant for around a decade before joining Vision Africa, and is now employed by the charity as a fundraiser.

Kirsty said: “I decided I wanted to make a contribution to society, and to do something that would really make a difference.

“A friend told me about Deborah, and Vision Africa, and I decided to go over there for ten days - that was two years ago - and I’ve never looked back.”

The women’s latest fundraising event was held at Arta in Glasgow’s Merchant City, where the 50 guests were treated to an evening of African fashion, food and music.

Highlights from the event included a fashion show, which featured outfits made by Seed of Hope graduates, and musical sets by the Kenyan singer Sara Mitaru.

Funds were raised through ticket sales, a prize draw, and the sale of jewellery made at Kandara Children's Home, denim bags made by Seed of Hope students, and gift cards.

Kirsty and Deborah would like to thank everyone who helped the evening run smoothly: models, musicians, and other volunteers who came at short notice to support the event.

For the donation of prizes, they would also like to thank YRC Logistics, Strathaven Hotel and Stella Travel.

Vision Africa operate schools in one of the worlds largest slums, Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, and provide aid in the form of food, clothing and educational resources. Vision Africa also run projects to support children's homes, a football academy and abandoned baby homes.