As we reach October, Janet O’Shea would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the preparation of shoe bags to include in this year’s container shipment to Freetown, which is now on the move.

During Magnus’ visit to the UK in June/July, he repeatedly emphasised the importance of the shoe bags and the delight he sees on the children’s faces when he delivers them.

Children in Sierra Leone are not overwhelmed with Christmas presents. Far from it. And for many, the shoe bag they receive from our Connexion churches will be their only gift.

Planned change for 2027 

Currently, Magnus faces the challenge of separating the shoe bags on their arrival to Sierra Leone, to ensure each of the girls and boys receive gender-specific items.

To make this easier and less time-consuming for Magnus, it has been decided that from next year all of the shoe bags will be unisex, and every bag will contain a tee-shirt and pair of shorts. 

We will, however, continue to add the age onto the shoe bag label.

Shipping Costs 

We are waiting to receive confirmation of shipment costs for the 2026 consignment. Last year we paid approximately £8,000, which is a hefty sum.

As a result, the Sierra Leone Mission (SLM) has suggested that if churches who were unable to contribute to the shoe bag effort this year, might be willing/able to make a donation towards the shipping expenses, this would be enormously helpful.

 

SIERRA LEONE DONATIONS

If you would like to make a donation, to help SLM's work in Sierra Leone, just click on the Donations button, located at the top of each website page. Please also state if you would like your donation to go towards a particular project.

Donating by Bank Transfer

Barclays Bank

Sort code: 20-16-08, Account number: 30799076, Account name: Sierra Leone Mission 

(NB We are very grateful to receive anonymous donations, but when making a bank transfer donation, the donor's name is needed for auditing purposes. Please be assured this information will remain private.)

Donating by cheque

Please send cheques to: Sierra Leone Mission. Postal address: Janet Foord, c/o Sheppey Evangelical Church, Warden Bay Road, Leysdown on Sea, Isle of Sheppey, Kent ME12 4NA