Working with Project Harar, event industry charity Meetings Industry Meeting Needs (MIMN) is to fund transport, accommodation, food and medication in terms of post-operative care for 52 young Ethiopians following operations on cleft palate and associated conditions with a donation of just £5,000. Surgery will be carried out in the capital, Addis Ababa, in partnership with three hospitals.

Project Harar’s three outreach officers identify patients and provide transportation for them and a parent or guardian, treatment, accommodation, food and prescription drugs. The grant also covers the costs of follow-up treatment including rhinoplasty, speech and language therapy. In total, Project Harar treats nearly 500 such patients annually and Meeting Needs has helped the organisation for several years.

Meeting Needs Chair-elect Jennifer Jenkins said: “This is a perfect example of how our industry can bring about real change for many unfortunate people for a modest amount. Project Harar is a superb organisation and we are delighted to be able to support them again.”