Diana Patrick is the MD/CEO foundation of Gadnite Child and Aged Aid Foundation, a non-profit organisation who is passionate about improving the lives of the underprivileged. She has touched the lives of many people in dire situations in Nigeria where her organisation is domicile. In this interview with Gurara Accord, the emphatic woman spoke about her organisation’s achievements and her impediments. Excerpts:
How can we meet you?
My Name is Diana Patrick. I live and earn a living in Canada but, I’m a Nigerian. I’m from the Northern part of the country, Southern Kaduna Senatorial District of Kaduna State to be specific, and I’m the founder of Gadnite Child and Aged Aid Foundation, a Non-Government Organization (NGO).What is the NGO all about?The NGO has been in existence since 2011, it focuses mainly on elderly and children but also goes beyond that. We reach to whoever is in need, we have reached to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), individuals in need of hospital bills, school fees, accommodations and basic necessities of life.
What is the driving force behind the establishment of Gadnite?
I am the third among my siblings, I grew up see my mother and grandmother give to people in need even when they didn’t have, I am very empathetic, I have always prayed for God’s blessings financially not for myself but for me to be a blessing to others. Those who knew me from childhood know that I have always been a giver . Along the line I just decided to go beyond give to those I know. Then, I founded Gadnite Child and Aged Foundation.
Can you please tell us some of the activities undertaken by Gadnite?
We have undertaken a lot of activities which includes food give-away mostly during festive period, donation of clothes, distribution of sanitary pads to girls of age, empowering individuals in different lines of empowerment such as the donation of sewing machines after the completion of training programme. How did you fund the activities?The Foundation has been funded 90% by myself and few friends and family members. It has been hard but the drive to see smiles on people face makes it easier for me. We are open to donations which can help us expand our humanitarian services.
What are your constraints in trying to achieve the core objectives of your NGO?
The main constraint is funding, As most of the funds comes from me. You work and live abroad. How do you manage the day-to-day activities of Gadnite Child and Aged Aid Foundation? I work and live abroad, yes. But, I have a very dedicated team that help out and volunteer when the need arises. I am very grateful and thankful to them.
Reflecting on how you started, can you say you are proud of the accomplishments of your NGO?
Reflecting on how we started, we can say we have accomplished a lot . When I say a lot I don’t mean financially or materially but in aspects of reaching out to individuals who really need help
