Stand Out For Environment Restoration (SOFER) Initiative

Volunteers around the world contribute billions of dollars worth of work and millions of man hours every year. From international IGO’s like UNICEF down to grassroots organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa, there are dedicated volunteers giving up their free time for a cause they believe in. Most organisations simply would not be able to survive without the continued support of volunteers. Every year, people are made happier and safer by the hard work of volunteers. The value of volunteers to NGOs in indisputable. They enable organisations to increase their capacity and achieve more than they would otherwise. Volunteers work in every area from fundraising and legal affairs to field work and administration. Their wealth of skills allow NGOs to direct as much resources as possible towards their beneficiary communities, helping them to create a better world. Many people, quite incorrectly, see volunteering as something that people do either when they are younger or when they have retired...

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/ford-boosts-environmental-protection-nigeria-25000/ http://dailytrust.info/index.php/business/13587-ford-grants-n4m-to-support-projects http://m.news24.com/nigeria/National/News/Funds-released-for-environment-projects-20131230 http://www.4-traders.com/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY-12542/news/Ford-Motor-Company--Ford-Boosts-Environmental-Protection-in-Nigeria-With-US25000-17741078/

The Coordinator and Volunteers of SOFER Initiative in the spirit of the season celebrated the Christmas in a unique way by sensitising the public on the need to stay environmentally conscious and maintain a green attitude. The activity took place at the popular Nwainiba Fountain Roundabout in Uyo, Nigeria where thousands gathered to celebrate the yuletide. Volunteers canvassed people to the table to listen to the Coordinator and other Volunteers talk about the dangers of bad behaviours toward the environment and ways to promote a clean, green and serene environment. In the spirit of giving, the Initiative gave tree seedlings, stickers, brochure as well as greeting cards specially designed by the initiative to celebrate a "Merry Green Christmas and a Fruitful New Year". We also opened opportunities for new volunteers to register against 2014 activities.  Th

After a series of screening that started from Detroit, USA of about 250 applicants nationwide, SOFER Initiative emerged as one among the 5 winners of the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants Programme. The SERENE UYO Project got $5,000 for its versatility in Environmental Education and Awareness. The presentation of cheque event took place at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja - Lagos on the 18th December, 2013. Cheque presentation by the COO of Cutler Nigeria (2nd left) and representative of Ford Motors (Extreme right) with SOFER Initiative Coordinator and Secretary. Emmanuel Sofa (Coordinator) displaying the cheque by Ford Motors. Handing over of Cheque by COO of Cutler Nig, Laura Oloyede. Fatima Danmole (right), Emmanuel Sofa (middle) and Laura Oleyede (right) at the Ford Motors Conservation and Environmental Grants Cheque Presentation Event. Fatima Danmole (Pioneer Volunteer and Secretary of SOFER Initiative) Panel of Judges of the Ford Moto...