by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

An official of Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice based in Surulere, in the heart of the city, Samuel Ilori, the local social worker, was most pleased to receive Mr and Mrs Aruna once again; the table tennis stars had visited last year.

“We are very grateful to the Aruna family for remembering this home. This is a private hospice that relies on individual and group donations to sustain itself, with this gesture made by Quadri Aruna, he has given life to others in need.” Samuel Ilori

During the visit, Quadri Aruna toured the home talking to children who are chronically ill.

“I’m very happy to continue what we started last year and I give thanks to God for giving me the opportunity; it touches my heart to show love to the less privileged. I’m also very happy for what God has done for me so far this year, so this is a way of showing appreciation to God for His blessings on me and my family. By His grace, I will continue to do this and I pray to God to give me strength and everything that will be needed to keep doing this year after year.” Quadri Aruna

The gesture reflects the attitude of Quadri Aruna both as a person and as an athlete; he sets high standards in every respect; he is the ideal role model.

“I love making people happy and giving back because I believe so much in God and whatever He has blessed us with, it is very important that we give part of it back to society so that He can bless us more. This is one of the reasons I’m doing this.” Quadri Aruna

The Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice was opened on Thursday 2nd October 2003 to cater for a steadily increasing number of abandoned, orphaned and sick children who suffer from a vast range of congenital abnormalities.