Community affairs ministry gives back for Christmas
(L-R) Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker and Minister Osbourne Bodden of the Ministry of Community Affairs, with Pines resident Mona Banks and manager Lynda Mitchell
(CNS): Staff of the Ministry of Community Affairs delivered Christmas gifts on Friday, 18 December as part of its “Give Back to the Community” initiative. The programme began in 2014 with a focus on the eastern districts, where civil servants visited with residents and staff of the Francis Bodden Girls Home, Caribbean Haven and East End Sunrise Cottage.
Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker said, “Given that we are the Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports, it is only fitting that, in addition to providing support and guidance to assist our most vulnerable citizens, we should be seen to give back and serve the community; especially during the Christmas season when we all focus on hope, love and faith.”
This year, ministry staff visited facilities in George Town and West Bay including the Pines Retirement Home, Family Resource Centre, Bonaventure Boys Home and Golden Age Home. During each visit, residents were presented with a small token of appreciation and treated to a few Christmas carols.
The ministry’s social committee came up with this initiative, whereby each month staff contributes a set amount of funds to the committee, which at the end of the year is used to purchase items for the less fortunate in the community. The programme also gives civil servants the opportunity to visit the facilities and meet their staffs.
Minister Osbourne Bodden said, “I am so pleased that my ministry is able to reach out to the community in this fashion. As Mother Teresa once said, ‘It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.’
“I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to your neighbours during the holiday season and for you and your family to extend love, peace and joy.”
Category: Civil Service, Donations
