RADIO Needy Children’s Fund (RNCF) last Friday celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (60th Anniversary) with a gala fund-raising dinner at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel.

There were many expressions of gratitude to members of the organisation (past and present) who have shown commitment and dedication and continue to do voluntary work in service to the nation’s children. And in her welcome address, Chair of the RNCF, Mrs. Molly Hassan, also expressed gratitude to all partners and friends for their continued support towards the organisation.
“Reflecting on this our Diamond Jubilee, the board of RNCF is proud of its achievement – none of which could have happened without your support,” Mrs. Hassan said.
She continued: “We at RNCF wish to express our profound gratitude to all our partners and friends who would have contributed towards the execution of our programmes, and look forward to your continued support for the years to come.”
She also thanked their supporters for sharing in this landmark achievement of 60 years of service to the less fortunate, noting that RNCF stands committed towards serving those in need, through its social responsibility programmes throughout the year.
Special mention was made of the organisation’s longest standing members: Treasurer Doris Lewis; Secretary Holly Greaves and Leila Ramson for their long and dedicated service over 18 years, and who continue to be pillars of strength to Radio Needy’s Children’s Fund Programme.

DUCK CURRY COMPETITION PROCEEDS
The dinner, Hassan said, is one of RNCF’s main fund raising activities; the other is an annual raffle. And this time around, the organisers of King’s Annual Duck Curry Competition have graciously donated all proceeds of the competition held on Sunday to the organisation on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. For this kind and humanitarian gesture, Mrs. Hassan also expressed thanks.
The organisation, having come on stream in 1954, with an appeal by the late Dame Olga Lopes-Seale to obtain clothing for five boys to attend a Christmas party, received an overwhelming response, leading ‘Aunty Olga’, by then a household name, to extend a hand for other needy children to come forward to benefit from the collection.
The legendary broadcaster and philanthropist Olga Lopes-Seale through her appeal continued to “put a smile on the faces of the underprivileged children,” Hassan fondly reflected.
Meanwhile, twelve years into the programme, Lopes-Seales migrated to Barbados and was succeeded by Ms. Bernice Mansell who continued to execute it with the same passion. Using her radio programme aired at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation’s High Street studios, she was able to attract phenomenal support. In 1998 Mansell retired and started her own foundation.
In time, the party outgrew GBC High Street and moved to Thirst Park and then the compound of NCN.
Without doubt, the organisation has withstood the test of time and today, 60 years from the date of commencement, it has scored measurable success, as it continues to be of service to the less fortunate. It has also played a vital role in education through scholarship programmes, health, welfare and social programmes, according to Ms. Hassan.

EXPANDED PROGRAMME
Reflecting on the work of the organisation, Ms. Hassan said RNCF has evolved over the years, moving from merely hosting a Christmas party for children to hosting parties in each administrative region. It also conducts a feeding programme; scholarship programme; monthly care-giving packages and based on request – assistance for medical expenses, education, health, social and welfare services.
Among the distinguished gathering were Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper; and Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr. Shanti Singh.
Minister Webster delivered brief remarks in which she, on behalf of President Donald Ramotar, and on her own behalf, congratulated RNCF on its great humanitarian work. She also called on all present to continue to support the initiative in whatever way they can.
“This evening I would like to encourage all of you here in whatever way you can, since children must be given access to education, social and all other social services, which is what Government is doing,” Minister Webster said.
The programme was spiced with a rich musical interlude, with Ras Camo, Artist/Steel Pan Player on the pans and a solo by Jovinski Thorne, Singer/Musician. There was also the drawing of door prizes.