Colin Merecki, Managing Director of Collate, together with his South Coast Vistage Group, has recently accomplished a ten day trip to southern Uganda, taking part in some rewarding charitable work.
Chris Read, a fellow Vistage member had visited Uganda earlier in 2014, and was inspired to not only sponsor various community projects, including the setting up of a Music School, but also to return with his Vistage group.
During the trip, the team visited the village of Nkuringo, where they stayed for five days, helping the local villagers install three water tanks. Various members of the group had taken several hundred kilos of clothing to take out to Uganda with them (with the kind co-operation of Kenya Airways), which, when distributed to the community – were received with great appreciation.
Colin says: “The time in Uganda was not only a lot of fun it was also a real eye-opener, and it was fantastic to be able to help in some way. I have personally learned a huge amount and hope to continue to support this cause in the future.”
The group also spent time at a local school, where they were treated to plenty of singing and entertainment. One group member, Selina Russell had used her UK baby/nursery sector contacts to gather a range of useful childcare products, something she aims to continue with, going forward.
Other activities in Nkuringo included a trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, sighting some of the local gorilla population and a football match against the Nkuringo Trekkers 1st XI.
The final two days were spent in Kisoro, where the group visited a local orphanage (www.pottersvillage.org.uk).
Now back in the UK, Colin and his Vistage group are investigating various ways that they can continue supporting this organisation in the future.
The members of the Vistage group who travelled with Colin to Uganda are from various businesses across the South Coast and include Chris Read, CEO of Dunstan Thomas (www.dthomas.co.uk), Dan Hook, MD of ASV Unmanned Marine Systems (ASV acquired by L3Harris in 2018), Neil Wilkie, Vistage Group Chairman (www.vistage.co.uk), Rob Shaw, CEO of RBS Scaffolding (www.rbsscaffolding.co.uk), Selina Russell, MD of Cheeky Rascals (www.cheekyrascals.co.uk) and Nathan Aspin, MD of Aspin Management Systems (www.aspin.co.uk).
Here are some photos from the trip.
