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The Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, provided food and non-food assistance to thirty (30) households affected by a fire outbreak in Ascension Town Community, Freetown.
The fire, which occurred on 2 December 2025, was reportedly caused by poor electrical wiring. Residents said the blaze spread rapidly through closely built, makeshift structures, destroying the homes of fifteen household heads and leaving families particularly children and elderly persons without shelter, food, or basic household items.
Each affected household received a relief package comprising 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). Non-food items included a blanket and a plastic bag containing assorted used clothing suitable for children and elderly persons. The distribution was conducted to ensure equal support for all affected households.
The exercise began with an address by the Head of the Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) and President of the CDMCs, Mr. Bob Jones, who expressed sympathy to the victims and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to working with humanitarian partners to support disaster-affected households. He also emphasized the importance of community preparedness and collective action in preventing and responding to future disasters.
Speaking on behalf of Caritas Freetown, Project Manager Mr. Sheriff L. Bah said the organisation had made efforts to mobilise resources since the incident, although those efforts had not yet yielded the desired results. He assured the community of Caritas Freetown’s continued commitment to engaging partners and donors to secure additional support, particularly for shelter and livelihood recovery.
Delivering the final address, Tzu Chi Foundation Country Representative Ms. Margaret Bassie expressed sympathy with the affected households and encouraged them to support one another during the recovery period. She explained that the intervention was made possible through the generosity of the Tzu Chi Foundation, with support from Taiwan under the leadership of its founder, Master Cheng Yen.
Ms. Bassie noted that the blankets distributed were made from recycled plastic, describing them as environmentally friendly and comfortable, in line with the Foundation’s commitment to humanitarian service and environmental sustainability.
Following the addresses, beneficiaries queued in an orderly manner, signed the distribution register, and received their relief items. A symbolic handover was jointly conducted by representatives of Caritas Freetown, the CDMC leadership, and the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation and Caritas Freetown, saying the support would help them cope as they recover from the fire that destroyed their homes and livelihoods.
