AN ORPHANAGE for girls in Kenya could be finished in time for Christmas after help from an Oxford businesswoman.

Gay Goodall has been raising money to help establish the centre and has recently returned from a trip to check on its progress.

Earlier this year, Ms Goodall, 59, the managing director of Oxford Wholefoods, raised £10,000 as part of a £35,000 appeal to build the orphanage in Thikka, near Nairobi.

The centre is offering a lifeline for up to 120 girls, after they were abandoned by their mothers due to the financial burden.

Ms Goodall and other trustees last month visited the Kenya Children’s Centre north of Nairobi to see the latest stage of development.

On her last day of the visit, Ms Goodall and fellow trustees helped the girls make Christmas cards and Advent calendars.

Ms Goodall, who lives in Warborough, near Wallingford, said: “Although there are problems in Kenya at the moment, I feel we must try our utmost to help the most vulnerable in their society.

“In the past, some of these poor girls have suffered badly, but with some loving care and attention from the Kenya Children’s Centre, we can make a difference and help them succeed in life.

“These girls are innocent victims, and our goal is to rescue them and help them lead better and more fulfilling lives.

“Our time spent helping the girls was rewarded four-fold by their enthusiasm and commitment to making something of their lives.

“They are even talking about the careers they want to follow, and the study they will need to do to get the top grades needed to qualify.

“It’s great to see the increase in their self-confidence.

“When we first met them, they were shy and withdrawn, the result of the unfortunate lives they have led so far.”

Ms Goodall said building work at the centre was almost complete and the girls’ future was “promising” as the charity was seeking planning permission to construct new buildings.

The top floor of the medical clinic and dormitory block are almost complete, with the kitchen and bedrooms due to be finished by the middle of this month.

A container full of furniture from the UK is being shipped to Kenya to help furnish the centre.

For the Kenya Children’s Centres charity efforts for the Christmas period, and for 2009, trustees are asking supporters to sponsor an orphan.

Any donations to the charity will be used to feed and educate the orphans and provide medical care, with £50 buying a new bed and £250 supplying medicine for one week.

For further information visit the website kenyachildrencentres.com affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk