Kenya Red Cross honours a late longtime volunteer with free lunch event

In a gesture to commemorate one of their oldest volunteers, the Kenya Red Cross Mombasa branch hosted a free lunch event on Sunday, welcoming over 1,700 individuals, including orphans, people with special needs, and homeless elders.

The event, held at the Aga Khan School in Mombasa, aimed to honour the memory of Khairoonisa Molu, who passed away two months ago, aged 93.

Mahmoud Noor, the chairman of the Mombasa branch, noted that the event was part of philanthropic exercises started by the late Khairoonisa.

"Today, we celebrated World Red Cross Day by bringing together children with special needs, providing them with meals, engaging activities, and entertainment. This year's event holds special significance as we remember someone who dedicated decades of her life to this cause. Mrs Molu, along with her husband, played a pivotal role in establishing the Red Cross in Kenya. Her legacy of caring for children with special needs must continue, as they require significant support and resources,” Mahmoud honoured the late volunteer.

Kenya Red Cross Mombasa hosted a free luncheon on Sunday, May 26, 2024, welcoming over 1,700 individuals, including orphans, people with special needs, and homeless elders. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Mahmoud noted that Kenya Red Cross Mombasa aims to continue Khairoonisa's legacy.

He added that children with special needs were targeted for this year's event as they require extra support, and their families face financial challenges.

“It is important to collaborate with communities, organisations, and individuals to assist them. By doing so, we can help these children thrive and even contribute to the development of our nation.”

The chairman also urged the government to reduce taxes on essential equipment for people with disabilities, ensuring they can access necessary tools without financial burdens.

Mombasa Kenya Red Cross Branch Chairman Mahmoud Noor speaks at the free luncheon held at Aga Khan School, Mombasa, on Sunday, May 26, 2024 (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

The event was not only a tribute to Khairoonisa's extraordinary life but also served as a call to action for continued support and advocacy for vulnerable members of the community.

Reflecting on the late volunteer's legacy, Mahmoud said, “To talk about Molu is to challenge not only myself but every other soul, in Mombasa, in Kenya, In Africa and the entire world, for her life is the perfect mirror of what humanity and what ubuntu really stand for. To talk about Molu is a reminder of how so little can count for so much and how so much can only be meaningful and impactful if it has more quality than quantity."

“Molu and her tenacity have become a curriculum of what being a member of the Red Cross really means. Molu and her discipline, attending to volunteerism as if it were a normal day job requiring her to clock in and out. It was this discipline that she instilled in and out. It was this discipline that she instilled in all of us, a reminder that as leaders, mentors, and the Kenya Red Cross, we honour her best by upholding the principles she held dear. As we celebrate this great icon, may it be a reminder to us all, that a life of purpose can only be so if we live our lives for others. To help one person is to help an entire nation and to uplift one person is to enable entire generations to live their full potential.”

Kenya Red Cross Mombasa branch members pose a photo with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir after holding a free luncheon on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Aga Khan School, Mombasa (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

The regional coordinator of the Mombasa Red Cross Aisha Al-Hussein, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the need to combat stigma and discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

She remarked, "These children are often marginalised and viewed as a burden in society. We must work tirelessly to change this narrative and provide them with the opportunities they deserve."

As the Patron of the Red Cross family in Mombasa, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir stated that the organisation plays a critical role in society and on the global stage by bringing out the best in young people through volunteerism and humanity.

Patron of the Red Cross family and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir enjoys a light moment with children at the free luncheon held at Aga Khan School, Mombasa on Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)