More than 100 uniforms previously worn by staff at Bath care company Butterfly Home Help are to make a difference at two African health centres following a novel link-up.
Butterfly recently decided to refresh its brand by changing its colour schemes – a move that resulted in 121 peach-coloured uniforms becoming surplus to requirements. 
Rather than throw them away, operations manager Michele Bodman knew she could put them to good use. She contacted Hilton Baker, a member of the Salvation Army and trustee of The Kenya Trust, to ask if his organisation would have any use for them.
Michele, pictured, said: “It seemed such a pity to just get rid of the uniforms. I just felt there could be a way of using them elsewhere.”
Her action has set in motion an exercise that will help the Chikankata Mission Hospital in Zambia and a new medical centre in a remote part of Kenya.
The Zambian mission was established in 1945 when local headman, Charlie Chikankata offered part of his land to the Salvation Army in exchange for education and health services.
The organisation opened a school, hospital and church. The mission now serves a population of more than 100,000 people and has grown to include a College of BioMedical Services, a College of Nursing and Midwifery, a Salvation Radio and a secondary school for 800 pupils.
Michele said: “I have had the pleasure to work with people who need care and support since I was 16.
“My career has taken me across every avenue of the sector and country and I’m thrilled that my team and I have been able to help those doing the same thing in rural Kenya and Zambia.”
Hilton Baker said that while both organisations were delighted with the uniforms, one potential stumbling block in accepting a donation of this kind was the cost of getting them there.
Butterfly co-founder Anne Pelling stepped in and donated the £200 needed to get the ship the uniforms.
Butterfly was formed nine years ago by husband-and-wife team Anne and Eric Pelling and today employs more than 70 staff across offices in Odd Down and Westbury who make 1,200 visits a week offering personal care, home care, shopping and cooking.
For further information on the relevant charities visit - www.salvationarmy.org/chikankata www.thekenyatrust.org
Pictured: The Salvation Army hospital in Zambia
