‘FRIENDS of Donald’, a civic group established to support Mr. Donald Ramotar for the Presidency, made charitable donations yesterday to three non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The beneficiaries were Uncle Eddie’s Home, in Jackson Street, Tucville; Joshua House Children’s Centre, in Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg and Archer’s Home on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, all in Georgetown.
A three-piece suite, two television sets and a refrigerator were handed over to the Administrator of Uncle Eddie’s Home, Ms. Rita Mc Ewan.
Mr. Akash Persaud, who made the presentation on behalf of the donor, said it is to make the lives of the residents more comfortable.
In her acceptance remarks, Mc Ewan expressed thanks for the valuable contribution and prayed for continued progress of Ramotar and his party.
She said, at Uncle Eddie’s, they have been striving, for the past 25 years and there has always been need for newer things which bring comfort and joy to the residents.
A representative of the residents, Mr. Lloyd DeFreitas said the gesture goes to show that they are not forgotten by the current Administration.
At Joshua House, the Administrator, Ms. Gladys Accra said that, presently, 60 children are being housed there, given meals and the basic necessities and the donation will greatly improve the environment for them.
They received two television sets and a refrigerator from representative of the benefactor, Ms. Sandra Armstrong.
At Archer’s Home, Persaud presented two television sets, a three-piece suite and a refrigerator to the Administrator, Ms. Olive Williams, who said the additions will be of great benefit to the 18 residents.
She said the gesture came as a total surprise but she is happy it happened at this time.

PROFESSIONALS
Giving a background, Persaud said the Friends of Donald was formed in April this year and comprises about 20 young professionals, ranging in different areas of work, knowledge and expertise (law, IT, banking, journalism, economics, engineering and human resources).
He said they have been working together supporting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate and, to date, the membership has grown to 75.
Persaud said, currently, their main focus is to convey the critical issues that the general populace perceive as crucial for national development and, therefore, those areas on which the Government should be placing emphasis.
He said, as the work of the group progresses, they will continue to focus on national development issues and projects of critical importance in ensuring a brighter future for the country.
Persaud said this series of presentations is their first and marks the beginning of what they hope to be a continuous gesture to similar organisations, make life at the homes more comfortable for those residing there.
He emphasized that one of the group’s main focus area is on assisting and helping to improve the lives and livelihoods of the elderly and children in orphanages.
Persaud said the gifts were made possible through the kind contribution of funds from the private sector and other entities.
“We thought it best to make the donations as tangible as possible, hence, our reason for the select items. It is our way of saying thanks and showing our appreciation to the senior citizens for the contributions they have made to our nation’s development,” Persaud indicated.