Community Spotlight: Operation Oasis

At Masbro, supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we were proud to contribute to Operation Oasis, a nine-day charity mission organised by Gibraltar’s Generous Hearts Charity. This inspiring initiative saw a team of 12 dedicated volunteers travel from Gibraltar toAlgeria and back to deliver vital aid to some of the most remote and impoverished desert communities.

Why Operation Oasis Matters

The mission was driven by a simple but powerful goal: to reach people living in desert villages with little or no access to basic necessities like food, clean water, medical care, and mobility aids. For Jinson Lima, the mission organiser, Operation Oasis was deeply personal. “This was about continuing work that Concessa and I started 20 years ago and that Generous Hearts has carried forward,” Jinson shared. “We wanted to bring immediate relief to people who are often forgotten, especially those living with disabilities.”

What the Team Delivered

The group of volunteers, including Jinson, Concessa, Daphne, Hedley, and others, brought with them essential supplies such as:

- Clothing for all ages

- Food provisions for families in need

- Medical supplies, including an eye clinic that provided nearly 200 people with glasses

- Mobility aids, including wheelchairs and two electric wheelchairs

- Children’s gifts, like toys, school supplies, hats, and shoes

One of the mission’s most touching moments was when a young man, receiving his first-ever electric wheelchair, raised his hands to the sky in gratitude. “Seeing that reaction is somethingI’ll never forget,” Jinson said. “Moments like that remind us why we do this.”

Community and Sponsor Support

This mission was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the local community and sponsors. Alongside Masbro, supporters included CEPSA, Gibraltar Toyota, the Red Cross (who donated wheelchairs), and numerous individuals who contributed through donations, raffles, and fundraising events. One Gibraltarian donor, wishing to remain anonymous, provided an electric wheelchair that changed someone’s life.

“We’re immensely grateful for the support we received,” said Jinson. “Sponsors like Masbro didn’t just provide funds—they showed genuine care and belief in what we were doing.”

Challenges Along the Way

Reaching these remote communities was no small feat. The team faced numerous challenges, including:

- Harsh desert terrain with non-existent roads, making travel physically demanding

- Limited internet connectivity, which complicated communication and coordination

- Lengthy travel times, with the journey taking four days each way

- Emotional strain from witnessing extreme poverty and hardship firsthand

Despite these obstacles, the team’s determination never wavered. Their resilience ensured that the aid reached those who needed it most.

Generous Hearts is already planning future missions, and there are many ways to get involved. Whether through financial support, donating essential items like wheelchairs, or simply helping spread awareness, every contribution makes a difference.

Why Masbro Supports Initiatives Like This

Community isn’t just a word for us—it’s one of our core values. Masbro has been committed to making a positive impact beyond providing insurance solutions for nearly four decades. Supporting meaningful projects like Operation Oasis aligns with our belief in giving back to the place we call home.

“We believe that being part of theGibraltar community means stepping up when there’s a need,” said James Andlaw, Masbro’s Managing Director. “Our support for Operation Oasis is just one example of how we aim to make a difference, not just for our clients, but for the wider community.”

Get Involved

Generous Hearts is always looking for new volunteers and sponsors. To learn more about how you can contribute to future missions, visit their Facebook page or get in touch with us at Masbro.Together, we can continue bringing hope and help to those who need it most.

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