#LoveAChild – Access Women Network

When we think of Valentine’s Day, our first thoughts are colored with images of heart shaped ornaments, chocolates, rose flowers and romantic dinners with a date. Things were not too different on Valentine’s Day of 2016.

Many people demonstrated their love in line with the expectation of the season by buying flowers and candy. But for a few others, it was a time to show love to those who ordinarily would receive no attention on that special day.

The Access Women Network of Access Bank Plc., chose to be one of the few who did something different this year. The group, also known as AWN, consists of all female staff members of Access Bank. They reached out to orphans across the country in a most ground-breaking method with an initiative tagged ‘Love a Child’.

Leveraging on their rich network of branches across the country, staff of Access Bank Plc. paid a visit to over 200 orphanage homes in Nigeria bearing gifts of different kinds to put a smile on the faces of the children. The gift items included foodstuff, educational materials, clothing, household items and playthings donated by members of staff.

More than the tangible items, the children were elated to have new friends over – reading and playing with them.

Taking a poll from staff of the Bank, many admitted that being with their loved ones on that day was a priority for them but the opportunity to be a light in the life of a child was not one to be disregarded. As one of the ideators said “We cannot be too busy to forget the needs of those who through no fault of theirs are less privileged. We want to make a difference in the lives of these children; when they grow up as great citizens of this country, we will all be better for it.”

This gesture is not only laudable but should be emulated across the country both by individuals and other corporate bodies. This is a true color of love and a fine expression for the Valentine’s season.

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