Barbara Ferguson jokes that her friends say she’s like a dog with a bone.
But it’s that attitude that has helped her save countless lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Sans Souci resident first visited the African nation in 2009 to train hospital staff in how to help rape survivors.
During later visits she was moved by the plight of a group of displaced pygmies and vowed to help.
‘’I saw their living conditions and I promised to help,’’ she said.
‘’The most important thing to them was helping their children so in the first year I paid for their schooling out of my own pocket.’’
She has since helped teach them to build their own houses and provided food, clothing and medical support.
Dr Ferguson also set up Pygmy Child Care; a charitable organisation which helps around 100 children under six with food, water and schooling.
‘’People tell me I’m like a dog with a bone,’’ she said.
‘’There’s been setbacks but you have to look at the positives.’’
To raise money for the charity a fundraising concert will be held at St Mark’s Anglican Church at South Hurstville on Sunday, August 28.
It will include local choirs from St Mark’s and Sweet Violets as well as guest instrumentalists.
All money raised will go towards the charity with $1500 helping to feed, clothe and educate 100 pygmy children for a month.
Dr Ferguson said every dollar counts.
‘’This concert is saving lives,’’ she said.
‘’You know that you’re making a difference.’’
People can also donate online at www.gdg.org.au/InfoJ893N.
Details:
A Concert to Save Lives
St Mark’s Anglican Church, The Mall, South Hurstville
Sunday, August 28, 2- 3.30pm
Admission $10 - children free.
Barbara Ferguson 9583 1727
