In a strong demonstration of solidarity and compassion, the Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, on Sunday, 14th December 2025, provided lifesaving food and non-food assistance to thirty (30) households affected by a devastating fire disaster in Ascension Town Community, Freetown.
The fire incident, which occurred on 2nd December 2025, was reportedly caused by poor electrical wiring. According to affected residents, the outbreak spread rapidly through the closely built, makeshift structures, completely destroying the homes of fifteen household heads and leaving families particularly children and elderly persons without shelter, food, or basic household items.
Each of the affected households received a comprehensive relief package consisting of both food and non-food items. The food items included one 50kg bag of rice, one gallon of vegetable oil, one gallon of palm oil, onions, packets of salt, and assorted seasoning (Maggi). The non-food items comprised a blanket and a plastic bag filled with assorted used clothing suitable for children and elderly persons. The support was carefully distributed to ensure that every affected household head received equal assistance.
The distribution exercise began with an address by the Head of the Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) and President of the CDMCs, Mr. Bob Jones. In his remarks, he expressed deep sympathy for the affected families, noting that the pain of the victims was shared by the entire community leadership. He reaffirmed the commitment of the CDMC to work closely with humanitarian organizations to ensure that disaster-affected households are supported to recover and rebuild their lives. Mr. Jones also emphasized the importance of community preparedness and collective action in preventing and responding to future disasters.
This was followed by an empathetic address from the Project Manager of Caritas Freetown, Mr. Sheriff L. Bah. Speaking with compassion, Mr. Bah conveyed Caritas Freetown’s heartfelt concern for the victims, stressing that the organization truly feels their pain. He explained that since the incident, Caritas Freetown has made deliberate efforts to mobilize resources to respond to the disaster, though these efforts have not yet yielded success. Nevertheless, he assured the community that Caritas remains committed and will continue engaging partners and donors to secure additional support, if possible.
Mr. Bah further acknowledged the multiple and urgent needs facing the affected households, particularly shelter and livelihood support. He noted that recovery from such a disaster goes beyond food assistance alone and reaffirmed that, should further resources be mobilized, Caritas Freetown would be willing and ready to extend additional support to help families regain stability and dignity.
The final address was delivered by the Tzu Chi Foundation Country Representative, Ms. Margaret Bassie. She expressed sincere empathy to the affected households and encouraged them to take care of themselves and one another during this difficult period. Ms. Bassie explained that the assistance was made possible through the generosity and compassion of the Tzu Chi Foundation, with direct support coming from Taiwan under the leadership of Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi Foundation.
She emphasized that Tzu Chi understands the hardship and uncertainty the families are currently facing, which is why the Foundation responded swiftly to help cushion their suffering, particularly in meeting immediate food needs as they work toward recovery. Ms. Bassie also highlighted that the blankets distributed were made from recycled plastic, noting that they are environmentally friendly, soft, and suitable for comfort during challenging times, and reflecting Tzu Chi’s commitment to both humanitarian service and environmental sustainability.
Following the speeches, the affected households organized themselves in an orderly queue. Beneficiaries were called one by one, signed the distribution list, and received their relief items.
A symbolic handover of the assistance was jointly conducted by the Project Manager of Caritas Freetown, the CDMC leadership, and the Tzu Chi Foundation representative.
The affected households gave their consent for photographs to be taken to document the activity.
In their closing remarks, beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation and Caritas Freetown for standing with them during such a painful moment. Many noted that the support would greatly help them as they struggle to recover from the devastating fire that destroyed their homes and livelihoods.
