DIGICEL Guyana, as part of its corporate responsibility in support of National Disability Week, observed from November 24 to December 2, 2013, International Day of the elimination of violence against women in Guyana, and World Aids Day, yesterday made separate contributions to the relevant non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The giant cellular phone company made a monetary donation which amounted to a substantial sum for the refurbishing of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC), Help and Shelter and Life Line Counselling.
The presentations were done at Digicel headquarters at Fort and Barracks Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, where Head of Marketing Jacqueline James penned a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in support of these significant observances, yesterday.
Administrator of the PRRC, Cynthia Massay, accepting a cheque, said that Digicel has been a long standing supporter of the organisation, from the time it entered the local market in 2006.
She added that its contributions brightened the lives of disabled children in many ways. In September, Digicel had donated a cheque for $1M with which the newly refurbished dining room was furnished.
Massay stated that yet again Digicel Guyana has displayed its support to the PRRC, funding a refurbishing project that will include replacing the floor in the Rehabilitation Department and some exterior work on the building.
She noted that the Centre’s Education Department caters for nursery, prep and primary students, and these number just over 60 each day, and its day-care service caters for about 30 children each day.
The Centre’s Christmas party will cater for about 80 disabled children.
Meanwhile, representatives from Help and Shelter, Denise Dias and Margaret Kertzious, were gifted more than $4M for the refurbishing of the building which provides services for women, children and men, who are victims of domestic abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Denise Dias said that they are pleased with the support from Digicel and they have started repairs for the first time in the past 17 years.
She stated that Help and Shelter, which is located on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, is a safe place for abused women, children and men. Some are housed in the building where they seek to empower themselves to become self-sufficient.
Margaret Kertzious added that in the past four years, they were unable to promote any public outreach programmes, since they lack funding for that.
She said Help and Shelter is being funded by the European Union (EU) and another organisation with most of this channelled in the counselling and other services, and the home accommodates 46 persons.
Life Line Counselling representatives were also presented with a cheque for the general running of the services they provide for persons affected by HIV/AIDS.
Digicel’s Jacqueline James, in brief remarks, said the company has made contributions to these organisations to brighten their Christmas.
She explained that the donation to PRRC was needed for the children to have a comfortable place and for Help and Shelter, they want women, men and children to have a safe and suitable building where they can feel comfortable as they seek services provided.