RE: Peter Vandy Foundation – Official Launching – 27-30th June 2019: Resurrecting Peter by Keeping the Legacy and Empowering the youths.
The Peter Vandy Foundation in its launching program and commemoration of the first anniversary of Peter Vandy organized a soccer tournament between Kindia Rangers and Catholic Youths combined team of St Teresa, Bo on Thursday June 27th, 2019 beginning at 4:00 PM. Kickoff was taken by executive director of foundation, Edie P Vandy. The game was well attended from members of the public, family members and from the church with commentary provided over the PA system.
The catholic Youth Team (in green jersey) despite playing top soccer notch were unfortunate to capitalize on their chances and fell 3-1 to the Kindia Rangers (a 2nd division team within the Bo Town league). There was a trophy presentation to the winner and runners up with cash donations of Le 200,000 (Two hundred thousand Leones) to the winning team Kindia Rangers and Le 100,000 (One hundred thousand Leones) to the catholic youth team given as token of appreciation for participation. The soccer challenge tournament is going to be an annual event to make it bigger and expand into an actual gala spanning several days, plans of which are now in discussion. The foundation was approached by Mr. Sandy, a former sports teacher and director to offer voluntary service in championing the sporting event.
Prior to the games in the afternoon, a church service was organized by the family, presided over by Rev Fr Gbamgbaya and the Christian fathers of Christ the King College (CKC) at the school chapel. The mass was widely attended, following which the congregation moved to the grave site to offer prayers for Peter Vandy and the faithful departed members of the family including Peter’s mother (Tiange Fortune-Vandy), Dad (Joseph C Vandy), aunts (Baindu Fortune and Haja Mamie Fortune), step mother (Esther Vandy) and cousin (Baindu Momodu).
The visitation was emotional for the entire family and for me deeply personal. For the first time in all my long years, I was in Bo and Peter was not around me to ensure all my needs were taken care of us. He was not there to be engaged in the family deliberations, rather we discussed him, nor was he there to update on local and national politics, or provide insights about family or own personal growth. We realized as a family that although Peter was not physically present, he could be resurrected, according to Rev Fr. Gbamgbaya during his eulogy if we rise to the occasion and keep the legacy which this foundation is all about.
Saturday June 29,2019 was the foundation launch date, which saw heavy downpour of rain and allowing event to start late. Despite missing couple of invited guests due to conflicting schedules, not even the rainy weather could stop a huge turnout to witness official launch.
The MC for the occasion was Salifu Swarray who had a singular duty to perform; introduce the chairman Mr Mohamed Sannoh, Principal of QRS. Before the chairman’s introductory address, members of the high table were called to be seated including; Rev. Fr Kefalla, who offered prayers, Mr. Winston Yankuba (diplomat and family member), Ms. Sallay Ngobeh (Entrepreneur/Family friend), Edie P Vandy, Executive Director, Peter Vandy Foundation and key note speaker.
Statements of support and commitments were offered from a wide array of organizations including;
Knight of St John
CYO
YCS
CYAF
Family members
The CYAF presentation was impressive with a poem and special music composed for Peter, copies of which were given the foundation.
Pledges
Individuals, families and organizations made financial pledges of support for the foundation in excess of Le 17,000,000 (Seventeen million Leones). Pledge forms were passed around for completion which were later collected for compilation, with provisions for anonymity and open pledges. Some open pledges included;
1. Winston Yankuba – Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Family = Le 1,000,000 (one Million Leones)
2. Momodu family = Le 1,000,000+ (One Million Leones plus)
3. Vandy family = Le 1,000,000 (One Million Leones)
4. Moses Vandy = Le 1,000,000 (One Million Leones)
5. Peter Vandy family abroad = Le 10,000,000 (Ten Million Leones)
6. Alex Thomas – IPAM Lecturer/Family friend = Le 1,000,000 (One Million Leones)
7. Habibatu K Shyllon – Family friend = Le 1,000,000 (One Million Leones)
Sunday June 30, 2019 was requested as memorial service by the family to the church for special prayers and dedication. The presence of family members, friends and well-wishers in church were noticeable in our Tee shirts for Peter and our Mum who’s 40th day ceremony was observed that same day.
Interim Administration
An interim administration was put together via election during a meeting held Sunday June 30, 2019, with the following persons;
1. Ainah C Kayonga – Foundation Chair
2. Lawrence R Mbayo – Secretary General
3. Salifu Swaray – Treasurer
A bank account will be soon be opened with the following signatories, Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary General. Consultation was key to the effective operations of the foundation, with the executive to undertake consultations with the family on decisions taken. Two signatories to the account should be present for any bank transaction to be tendered, one of which must be the chair. In the absence of the chair, bank transactions can only be made by both the secretary and treasurer with written notes of authority by the chair.
Youth Center Land Acquisition
In pushing for the foundations key vision of haven a youth center, the foundation took steps to acquire a plot of land (1.5 town lots) situated on Gbendeva street, Bo. The documentation for the land is now been developed. Note: The Foundation seeks to own a resource center that will be multifaceted: fitted with laptops and computers connected to internet for the youths to come in and spend quality time; be mentored and empowered as good citizens ready to lead and carry on their drive in living a fulfilling life.
Peter believed that an empowered youth is a worthy investment to the family, community and nation. He touched many lives, and was deeply committed to service in church and in community. The work that Peter started now needs to be continued with your support. We cannot do it all by ourselves, and need your help and the broader support of all who were with Peter, saw him in action, or heard about what he did, his kindness love for all. Your support is needed no matter how small, as it will potentially impact many lives.
Here are the ways you can make a donation:
– Make a donation online at: http://www.petervandyfoundation.org/ways-to-give/
– Account name / number: Bank of America / 237024662747
Thank you in advance for your contribution now and in the future. kindly help in whatever way you could to keep Peter’s legacy alive.
Edie P Vandy
Founder/Executive Director – Peter Vandy Foundation