Norton Lindsey-based charity that helps orphans and vulnerable people in Zambia appealing for donations

A Norton Lindsey-based charity supporting orphans and vulnerable people in Zambia is appealing for donations to help fight the spread of Covid-19 in Africa.

The Butterfly Tree is an all-volunteer organisation funded by grants, corporate donors and donations via social media.

Jane Kaye, who runs the administration of the charity from home with the help of trustees and volunteers, founded it in 2006 after a business incentive trip to Zambia with her late husband, Lawrence.

She said she is now concerned about the pandemic’s impact on donations due to current demands on global charities.

“We are doing everything possible to protect our volunteers and the communities where we work in Zambia. But have restricted all but essential movements and postponed our construction projects.

“Delays in implementing projects such as school development is inevitable but delays in the installation of boreholes and providing protection from malaria will have a negative impact.”

The crisis coincides with Butterfly Tree recently celebrating its best performance year to date, in terms of building schools, clinics and community houses, installing boreholes and providing emergency food.

The charity has continued providing rural clinics with soap, disinfectant and masks for medical workers who had no protection to deal with the pandemic.

Food distributions are also being made to orphans, vulnerable people and the elderly, who have been affected by drought and those that have been laid off work due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the charity continues with its holistic approach and aim to provide safe water, sustainable feeding programmes, health and education facilities, orphan support and malaria prevention methods to more areas in Zambia.

People can support the work with donations for essential items for clinics and communities facing food shortages.

£1 buys three bars of soap while a £10 donation buys a bag of maize to feed a family of four for one month.

Donors are assured that 100 per cent of donations are used for this purpose, with no administration or personal fees deducted.

Further information can be found at https://www.thebutterflytree.org.uk/pages/get-involved/online-donations/