By Marie Pfeifer
This month’s Africa Surgery Christmas Market at Assumption Church in Morristown raised $8,000 toward creation of a home for children orphaned by the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone.
Donations are being sought to complete the project.
This was the first time in many years that Tom Johnson, founder of Africa Surgery Inc., has made an appearance at the Christmas Market.
Usually he celebrates Christmas in Sierra Leone, helping people in need of medical care. His travels to the West African nation have been interrupted by the Ebola epidemic, but his work on behalf of impoverished people there continues.
At the two-day holiday fundraiser, Johnson exhibited many photos, taken by his friend Sergio Burani of Morristown, of Sierra Leoneans who have benefited from his efforts to match needy people up with the medical help they need.
Shoppers enjoyed an eclectic selection of handcrafted items such as jewelry, silk scarves, knitted and crocheted baby booties and hats, as well as a wide array of homemade baked treats.
Lovely music also was provided this year, courtesy of the Cicely Tyson Harp Ensemble and the Randolph High School Orchestra.
Tom Johnson and the Christmas Market committee extend their thanks to everyone who supported the event, either by volunteering or shopping.
To learn more about Africa Surgery and to donate, please visit www.africasurgery.org.
