Vodafone Reunites Children Across The Country With Their Families For Valentine's Day

ACCRA, 19 FEBRUARY 2013-Vodafone has demonstrated the power of love this Valentine's Day by reuniting children who have been kept in hospital, with their families.

Vodafone introduced the annual 'Valentine's Day Homecoming' to pay the outstanding medical bills of patients who had been discharged from hospital but were unable to leave because they could not afford to pay their medical bills. Over 300 patients and their families touched by this initiative since it started three years ago.

This year, Vodafone focused on settling the medical bills for children whose parents were struggling to find the funds. One example is a five-year old boy, who spent six months in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after sustaining burns when his shirt caught fire on a candle. For his mother who is unemployed, it was impossible to find the GHC 2000 to pay his bill so he could be reunited with his family.

Carmen Bruce-Annan, Head of Brand and Corporate Communications gave further insight to Vodafone's decision to focus on children this year. 'We think our annual tradition of showing love on Valentine's Day is even more poignant this year because we are reuniting families, who in some cases, have spent months apart. In cases involving children, one parent often has to give up work to stay with the child in hospital, which in turn reduces the chance of finding funds.

In other instances, parents, through no fault of their own, have to leave their children in the hospital whilst they work to secure funds. This is heart-breaking for both the child and the parents and we are proud to step in and help in this way.

Examples of the impact of Vodafone's act of love are shown in an emotionally charged documentary which will be shown on the major networks and accessible on Vodafone's Facebook page. The mother of a five year old girl who had to move from their hometown of Jasikan in the Volta Region, to spend seven months in hospital with her daughter at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, expressed her surprise and gratitude at Vodafone's unexpected gesture 'I'm happy to see my family again, it's been seven months. I never thought anyone would help bring us home…God bless Vodafone'.

About Vodafone Ghana
The most awarded Telco in 2012 winning amongst others, Most Respected Telecoms Company and CIMG Telecoms Company of the Year. Vodafone Ghana is an operating company of Vodafone Group Plc. The number one telecoms brand in the world and one of the most valuable global brands with a significant presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the United States.

Vodafone Ghana is a total communications solutions provider - mobile, fixed lines, internet, voice and data - and is currently unmatched in providing fixed line and internet services - the leader and the first choice for Ghanaians.