We are happy to share with you the news that REACH Bwindi is taking part in this year’s Big Give Christmas challenge to raise funds for Bwindi Community Hospital.

The difficulty accessing medical services faced by communities living in this rural location has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic with restrictions placed on movement and public transport and loss of income. The consequences of poorly treated non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, together with high levels of HIV and poor nutrition impose significant challenges in the community, affecting quality of life and ability to work.

Funds raised through the BIG Give will be used to support BCH taking care out into the community using the experience and local knowledge of their community nurses. The project will reach the most vulnerable people with the greatest needs, delivering medical management and providing health education. A single outreach costs £50 and we hope to support service provision in as many as 70 villages in the area.

The Christmas Challenge is a match funding campaign where donations to participating charities are doubled. It will be taking place from 12pm 1^stDecember to 12pm 8^thDecember and REACH Bwindi trustees and supporters will be taking up the challenge and taking a ‘Big Dip’ – swimming outdoors every day during this week in varying locations around the UK, including the North Sea off Orkney. 

Follow our progress on our facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/reachbwindi/

If you wish to help us bring the hospital’s service to the most vulnerable then find our campaign on the Big Give website: https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a051r00001ewSFiAAM

Donations between the 1^stand 8^thDecember will be match funded. If you wish to donate outside this window then please go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1016891

If you wish to join us in our ‘Big Dip’ please sign up by emailing us at reachbwindi@gmail.com and invite your sponsors to donate to our campaign on the Big Give website between the 1st and 8^thDecember. Participants will receive a Bwindi face mask as recognition of their effort. We would also be very happy to see photographs of your ‘Big Dip’ by email or shared on our facebook page.

Your support is much appreciated.