The World Moved On But This Muslimah Refuses To Forget Ebola Survivors

For Suafiatu Tunis, giving is not just an act, it is a way of life. As a dedicated community activist, she has spent years serving those often overlooked, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in Portee, East End Freetown have access to food during Ramadan in Sierra Leone. 

By creating the Community Response Group, she has been at the forefront of feeding families in need. And thanks to her partnership with VR&C Marketing the Ramadan Food Drive has grown into a powerful force for good. 

A Journey Rooted in Compassion

Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Suafiatu moved to Saudi Arabia at a young age. There, her love for people and empathy grew. 

During the Hajj seasons, she and women in her community would assist pilgrims in their spiritual journeys, ensuring they had food and support needed to complete it. Witnessing the spirit of generosity during those times, she was moved by how the people in her community helped to care for one another. 

After her return to Sierra Leone, those experiences stayed with her. She quickly understood that hunger was not just about food scarcity, but rather the absence of community support. 

Decades ago, Ramadan in Sierra Leone was a season of abundance. Young boys moved from house to house with spoons in their pockets knowing they could stop at any compound and be welcomed with food. Christian families prepared meals for their Muslim friends as a gesture of love during the season. 

But with 8 out of 10 Sierra Leoneans now living in food insecurity, that tradition is fading. Many families can no longer afford to cook extra food, and hunger is a constant presence. 

This realisation fueled her mission to ensure that during Ramadan, no family would go without a meal. That is when she started her Community Response Group in Freetown.

Suafiatu’s mission started with a simple yet profound realization; Ramadan is a time of sacrifice, but for many, it is also a time of deep struggle.

“I noticed that people really get hungry during Ramadan. Outside of fasting, they can manage but when you don’t have the means to break your fast, it makes the process even harder,” she explained. 

Determined to make a difference, she began by distributing staple foods, that is, rice, onions, maggi, sugar, and salt. Over time, her initiative grew, attracting support from individuals who understood the urgent need for a sustainable food drive. 

But it was VR&C Marketing that helped her take it to the next level. 

Suafiatu Tunis, community activist and partner in the Ramadan Drive

Shining a Special Light on the Forgotten

One of Suafiatu’s key priorities has been supporting Ebola survivors. She believes that these are individuals who face unique health and economic challenges who have been forgotten by society. 

“Some of them have eye issues, fertility problems, and other health complications due to Ebola. Many are unemployed or unable to do the work they once could. But the world has moved on and they’ve been left behind,” she said. 

Through the food drive, these individuals receive essential support, allowing them to fast with dignity. Saufiatu’s work ensures that no one, regardless of their past struggles, is left out of the spirit of giving during Ramadan. 

A Partnership that Strengthened the Cause

When VR&C Marketing joined forces with Suafiatu, they brought more than just support; they brought innovation.

In 2020, the Ramadan Food Drive was started by Vickie Remoe to provide relief for struggling households in Banana Wata. 

“I saw firsthand how hunger was affecting families in my community and others in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s when I started the first food drive,” Remoe said. 

Locked in Freetown, Vickie reported on essential workers for OSIWA. She and her team interviewed 50 people from all walks of life and told the story of how families were struggling to get food on their tables. 

Vickie Remoe enjoying Ramadan celebrations with her community in Freetown

In 2022, she partnered with Suafiatu Tunis, who had been working to help the most vulnerable since Ebola. Five years later, thanks to Suafiatu’s commitment, Remoe and her team are still doing what they can to continue the tradition of feeding families.

“VR&C Marketing showed us the importance of including proteins and other essential ingredients in our donations. Fasting takes a toll on the body, and people need more than just the basics to sustain themselves,” she said. 

With this guidance, the Suafiatu was able to expand the offerings, ensuring that families receive more nutritious meals.

However, the need to provide more nutritional ingredients means that the cost of feeding a family has risen significantly. This makes donations more crucial than ever, as every contribution helps ensure families receive not just food but balanced and nourishing meals.  

Each year, the need is greater than ever because of the rising costs of food and high inflation. In the 12 months between June 2022 and June 2023, the cost of Sierra Leone’s staple food, rice, went up 39% (local rice) and 53% (imported rice). 

When the Ramadan Food Drive started, $20 could feed a whole household for the last ten days of Ramadan. But prices continue to skyrocket. Now, $50 is needed to feed a family.

Activities during previous Ramadan Drive in Freetown

How You Can Support This Ramadan

The mission is clear; feed as many families as possible. But with food prices rising, the need for donations is greater than ever.

The goal this year is to feed 1,500 individuals (150 households) by providing essential food supplies. Each household receives a package containing rice, beans, palm oil, onions, Maggi, salt, and smoked fish. These are nutritious ingredients that can sustain families as they fast.

There are two options. You can give $50 to feed one family or you can send in $500 which feeds 10 families on one street. Through this, you can feed multiple families or streets.

“For $50, we can feed a family for the last 10 days of Ramadan. For $500, we can provide for 10 families on one street,” Remoe said. 

Local mosques and communities help identify the most vulnerable households regardless of religion. 

Once donations are received, the funds are transferred to Suafiatu in Sierra Leone. Along with a band of volunteers, she buys the meals and repackages them for distribution. Donations are made in Suafia’s neighborhood in Portee, East of Freetown, and in Vickie’s at Banana Water, Off Murray Town Road.

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. 

If you’re in Sierra Leone, you can donate via Orange Money at+232 79 981935. International donors can contribute through Vickie’s website. 

Ramadan is a time of generosity, reflection, and unity. Through the work of people like Suafiatu, the spirit of giving continues to thrive despite the odds. This year, let’s come together to ensure that no one fasts in hunger. Donate today and be part of this life-changing mission. 

Thank you for joining this campaign. If you have any questions please contact Suafiatu in Freetown on +232 79 981935 or WhatsApp Vickie Remoe on +1-240-813-8043.