Month: January 2018

Purples Help To Feed Thousands At Christmas

Saturday, December 16th, 2017

The importance of giving back, especially during the festive season, has not been lost on the famed ‘Purples’ of North Street, who, on Thursday, after sitting their end-of-term exams, turned out in their numbers to help feed more than 2,000 poor Jamaicans across the island.

“At Kingston College (KC), it is service above self,” 18-year-old Ricardo Ricketts told The Gleaner during the Food For The Poor and Salvation Army’s annual Christmas treat at Emmett Park in Kingston.

The crop of lower sixth-formers who sprang into action as early as minutes after 10 a.m. readily served hot meals and beverages to the large, and, at times, demanding crowd.

As if mandated, the youngsters were meticulous in their actions, regularly consulting with each other and the organisers to ensure that no one was excluded.

“The KC culture is to nurture those that are around us and to develop worthwhile institutions so that we can have a better country,” said Ricketts, who also spoke of his intention to visit the Walkers’ Place of Safety on Christmas Day to assist with the children.

For youth parliamentarian Chad Rattray, 17, volunteerism has always been a passion.

“I’m always moved by giving back and seeing how it positively impacts people’s lives. So once I heard of the event, it was always a yes. I had to come along with my colleagues to give support,” shared Rattray.

While he hails from Stony Hill, 17-year-old Chadrick Chambers said that Kingston was also his community as it was where his school was located.

“One should always get involved in activities such as these. It contributes to personal development. At KC, we try to undertake as many service projects as possible. On Saturday, we’re going to feed the homeless in downtown in front of the courts. So initiatives such as these are bigger than self. It’s about bettering our people and the country,” he reasoned.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

syranno.baines@gleanerjm.com

Food For The Poor Spreads Christmas Cheer At Golden Age Home

Saturday | December 16, 2017 | 12:00 AM

Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica hosted its annual Christmas Treat at the Golden Age Home in Kingston on Monday. It catered to the two Food For The Poor-sponsored clusters: D & G, which house residents who are severely challenged, both mentally and physically; and seniors with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Approximately 155 residents and caregivers from the home were treated to a day of fellowship, food, and gift packages.

David Mair, executive director, FFP Jamaica, noted, “Over the years, Food For The Poor Jamaica has continued to support the Golden Age Home in various ways through the provision of food, clothing, furniture, and medical items. Today’s event is an extension of what we do throughout the year, where FFP staff members come in and feed and spend some time with the residents here at the home.”

Chevanese Rowe-Lyn Sue, healthcare coordinator, FFP Jamaica, stated that the part of th Christmas treat that stands out to her the most is the gratitude that the residents feel.

“They were so happy for the gifts, and that made me feel really good to be part of this. Food For The Poor is able to impact so many lives on a daily basis,” she noted.

“I am grateful that I can experience this activity as it relates to reaching out to the less fortunate.”

The caretakers at the Golden Age Home, specifically those from Clusters D & G, are very grateful for the continued support from FFP.

Morelene Moncrieffe, supervisor of Cluster D, noted: “With Food For The Poor as the main sponsor, we are very appreciative of the work, effort, support, and all the kind gestures they have given to us. We look forward to this Christmas treat on a yearly basis.”

Sentiments of gratitude were also expressed by residents and beneficiaries.

Ninety-five-year-old Ambert Frazer expressed her sentiments to FFP: “We were really blessed to have everyone from Food For The Poor. I heard that Food For The Poor was coming, and I could hardly sleep the night before. I give God all the thanks for the cheer that you have brought us.”

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Siblings in children’s homes reunite at Christmas treat

Friday, December 22, 2017

ORPHANS and wards of the State were on Wednesday briefly reunited with their siblings who are housed at other children’s homes across the island, at the Food For the Poor’s Angels of Hope annual Christmas treat at Kings House in Kingston.

For some, the event is the only occasion they get to spend quality time with their brothers and sisters.

“A lot of siblings are split up, so what happens now is today (Wednesday) they come together to see each other and this doesn’t happen very often,” executive director of Food For the Poor David Mair told the Jamaica Observer. “The governor general has always been very kind to offer his lawns. It’s just a time of enjoyment, relaxation and having the kids come together.”

Irene McDonald, who heads the Clifton Boys’ Home in Darliston, Westmoreland, was elated for two brothers from her home, who were able to spend the day with their two sisters.

“You could just see how happy they were to see each other, they hugged each other and started to cry. Some of my children when they go home for holidays it’s the only time they see each other,” she said. “These two boys will be going home for a week this holiday.”

The four siblings had evident joy on their faces.

The eldest, who is a 15-year-old girl, told the Observer she had not seen her siblings since they were separated a little over a year ago.

“I’m excited because a long time mi nuh see dem. Mi nuh get fi visit dem. Mi and mi sister were at di same home, but we get split up,” she said.

These siblings were just four of about 700 children from 27 homes across the island, who enjoyed themselves at the event. The day’s activities included games, a mechanical bull, bounce-about, face painting and even hair makeovers.

A new addition to the treat, which Food For the Poor has been hosting for 15 years, the hair and barber boutique was a hit.

Owner of Hair Extreme, Andreen Rose-Cephas, was present along with members of the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to work with Food For the Poor. I believe that persons should give back their time. This is why I do voluntary work and I definitely look forward to more of Food For the Poor’s Christmas treats,” she said.

Rose-Cephas also believes that the experience was more beneficial to the older children, who would soon venture out into the working world, as some of them are clueless about hair and make-up. Besides makeovers, she also gave them tips about grooming.

A 10-year-old was very eager to get her hair done.

“Miss I want di lady to comb my hair. Today is very nice. I like di food and di bounce-about. And me hair ago look pretty today,” she said excitedly as she watched a member of the team comb another child’s hair.

In the meantime, McDonald had high praises for the charity organisation.

“I am so proud of them (Food For the Poor). On a three-month basis we get food and it helps a lot. Anything that the Angels of Hope have and they know that we need, they send it for us. We were burnt out earlier this year, Food For the Poor provided beds and items we needed after the fire,” she said.

The head of Clifton Boys’ Home said she and her team hopes to start rebuilding the home in January, with the help of Food For the Poor.

— Falon Folkes

Source: Jamaica Observer