Sherwood Park Manor, Bara Akimbo Welfare bring mobility and hope to communities in Cameroon

Sarah Burtch, the Brockvilleist

Brockville’s Sherwood Park Manor is ushering in the holiday season with a heartfelt donation of three gently used walkers to Bara Akimbo Welfare, a non-profit organization in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Spearheaded by nurse Severine Neba and Life Enrichment and Rehabilitation Services Manager Mike Dier, the initiative aims to enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for individuals in Cameroon who are facing health and financial challenges.

Bara Akimbo Welfare offers a variety of community services, including education, sustainable development programs and essential supplies. The donated walkers will help increase independence and access to health care, education, and social connections for recipients in Cameroon.

Severine Neba told Brockvilleist, “The Bara Akimbo Foundation is an NGO among many from back home that does great work in the less privileged community.” She continued, “I got the idea when I reached out to the organization and we discussed how seniors and people with disabilities will benefit from mobility aids. I have a passion for giving back to my community and I thought what a great way to start by collecting valuable items and donating them.”

Neba explained that to send a walker back home costs her just $25. “When I have multiple items like clothing and household items, I get an even better deal and it is so worth it to see the joy when beneficiaries get what they need.”

This initiative underscores Sherwood Park Manor’s commitment to global community support, and highlights the holiday spirit of giving. “For many in Cameroon, limited mobility is a barrier to accessing basic services,” Neba shared. “We hope these walkers will make a meaningful difference.”

While they are limited to walkers this year, Nebe hopes to donate more mobility aids in the future, including wheelchairs, once foundation volunteers are trained to assemble them upon arrival.

Lauren Kutchaw, Director of Fundraising with Sherwood Park Manor explained, “We are undergoing a major facility redevelopment to increase capacity and meet modern building standards. Initially established in 1974 the Manor has been a safe space for residents to call home. It’s also a non-profit, charitable organization that depends largely on private donations for any equipment or facility upgrades.”

The redevelopment and capital campaign began in November 2023 with an initial investment from the provincial government. The campaign continues to sustain momentum from financial contributions made by the surrounding community, and a total of $3.1 million of the $5 million goal has been raised.

Kutchaw shared, “Today, the project is on track to completion at the end of 2025 and will increase the Manor’s capacity from 107 to 128 long-term care beds. It will also add specialized rehabilitation programs and technology and will create new jobs in the area.”