Djiba Camara is running out of time to organize his favourite charity event — collecting goods and shipping them to Guinea, one of Africa's poorest countries.
The Coquitlam resident has amassed a container of useful items, including tools, books, computers and sports equipment, to deliver to his former homeland but needs to raise $25,000 for the sea voyage.
Many people maintain connections with their birth country but Camara, who teaches in Langley and is a former professional soccer player, wants to do more than send few dollars home.
"They are in need a lot, and if they get [the donated equipment], life will be better."
Camara would also like to be able to take the goods to Conakry, Guinea himself because they would have a better chance of being distributed fairly.
But he is ill with liver cancer, discovered after his last trip bringing goods to Africa in 2013.
What he lacks in energy he makes up in enthusiasm. He recently sold his apartment to purchase a truck in which to store the goods and he hopes the generosity of his community, and his belief in a divine spirit, will help him get the items to Guinea as soon as possible.
"If God gives me a long life, that's my plan," he said.
He's started a GoFundMe page to raise cash and his church, Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship, is behind him in his effort.
Pastor David Esau said the church typically holds a fundraiser in the fall for the homeless shelter but this year is going to support Camara's project.
"As he shared the need," Esau said, "he's given us the desire to come alongside and support him."
Donations can be made through Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship and a community block party and garage sale will be held Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, with all proceeds going to the Guinea Project.
Donations can also be made (designated Guinea Project) at www.erbf.com/pages/giving or at gofundme.com/camaraguinea.
