Ayo Elmar Gives Succour To Children

Nigerian-born female fashion designer, Ayo Van Elmar, has embarked on a charity initiative dubbed Sunshine Project. It is aimed at giving back to less privileged children in the country, particularly during this yuletide season.

Ayo, who is based in Vienna, Austria, has visited some public schools in Nigeria where she donated clothes and shoes to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them one for the Christmas and New Year festivities. Selected children from Ebenezer Primary School, Egbeda, Lagos, are part of those who have benefited from the programme.

While she calls on Nigerians to support the initiative, Ayo noted that “It won’t be a bad idea to consider the people around you that may not have the financial capability to buy clothes or even have a decent meal this Christmas. And just in case you are wondering where to share some love to the less privilege during Christmas, look no further as we bring you the Sunshine Project.”

In a statement, Ayo, who was one of the costume designers and stylists during the recently concluded Nigeria’s Got Talent competition, said the talent hunt programme inspired her embark on the charity project.

“During the Nigeria’s Got Talent project, it occurred to me that there are still a whole lot of kids in the streets that can’t afford to live comfortably in Nigeria; a country with so much endowment. Parents of these kids strive hard to get them through public primary schools and struggle even harder to put food on their tables, buy them school uniforms and books. Hence, buying clothes during this Christmas season may be an uphill task for them.

“So I began to use the left over fabrics that were bought for the TV show as well as the rest of the fabrics that had been left from past collections to make clothing for children who are among the poorest in their communities,” Ayo explained.

Ayo however noted that her foundation is gradually running out of funds, and would need support from Nigerians. She said “a pair of good shoes costs N2, 000. So nothing you give is too small. If parents of these children cannot afford new Christmas clothes, they obviously cannot afford shoes either. So that is why we have been buying shoes for the children as well.”

Donations for the project can be sent to the Project Coordinator’s account details:

Ms. Omojefe Mabel Lucky

GTB, Ajah Branch, Lagos State.

Account No: 001 331 5237