The Guyana Relief Council  (GRC) yesterday commenced distribution of relief items to seven families who lost their homes due to recent fires in Rosemary Lane (‘Tiger Bay’), and  one family in  Albouystown.

On hand to receive the first set of items was Lisa Ashby, whose parents’ home was ravaged at Lot 145 James Street, Albouystown, leaving the family of 13 homeless.
Other families who, due to unforeseen circumstances, were not on hand to receive their items yesterday were:
* Tony Babb (family of one)
* Yolanda Bowman(family of five)
* Felicia Accra (family of five)
* Carlotta Thompson (family of three)
* Romel Myles (family of one), and
* Eon Adams (family of two)
Items in the donation packages included mattresses, a one-burner kerosene stove, clothing, food items, a washing tub and kitchen utensils.
Making the presentation on behalf of the GRC was Lynette Carter, Administrative Officer, assisted by Rohini Bonar, Welfare Officer, and Andre Wilson, Shelter Administrator.
Carter said that the GRC has assisted in 60 cases, totalling 163 persons, for the year so far.  She added that the council is profoundly grateful to their many friends who have supported the organization’s humanitarian work through their donations in cash and kind.
Expressing gratitude to the donors, she said, “Your support has enabled the council to provide assistance in a timely and relevant manner.”
Meanwhile, evidently moved as she received the items on behalf of her family, Ashby expressed gratitude and said since their home was destroyed by fire two weeks ago, the family approached several entities, but the Relief Council was the only one so far to have offered them any help. They are currently being accommodated at an aunt’s home on the East Coast Demerara.
The Ashby’s home was destroyed on Thursday, March 21, 2013, around 9:00 hrs. Among the homeless is Lisa’s father who is paralyzed. Quick response by his sister Karlene, who was the first to detect that the home was ablaze, and other public-spirited persons, resulted in the man being rescued without injury.