CORPORATE Guyana stepped in tangibly this week to bring Christmas cheer to residents of the Night Shelter managed by the Ministry of Social Protection.The Ministry of Social Protection on Thursday hosted a Christmas luncheon for residents, courtesy of the Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO). The company also donated a hamper, a release said.

Meanwhile, Harris Paints has donated 20 gallons of paint to repaint the shelter, while Continental Agency also pitched in with another 12 gallons of Torginol Paint, which helped to brighten sections of the building for the celebration.
On Wednesday, Courts Guyana Inc. donated a heavy-duty washing machine to aid with laundry for residents of the shelter.

The Night Shelter provides rest and a meal for the homeless.
Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, in accepting the corporate goodwill, lauded the entities for their kind gesture and for selecting the Night Shelter.

She reminded the audience that the ministry is not a revenue-generating body, and hence depends solely on monies provided in the annual budget. This is insufficient to achieve the many things the ministry sets out to do, thus the support from Corporate Guyana is invaluable.

Extending best wishes to the residents, staff and members of the corporate entities present, the minister noted that this is the season when it is common for people to tangibly express their sentiments; and in this light, the Night Shelter residents must not be forgotten.

“Today’s gesture shows that you are high on our agenda of priorities,” she said, adding “…when I came here first, I recognised that this place is not one where humans should be; and so we placed the issues on top of the agenda at the ministry…you are never forgotten.”

Since the minister’s visit, she has instituted several measures to ensure a massive cleanup and ‘fix it drive’, to make the conditions at the shelter tolerable. Supporting this drive were Starr Computers and Survival Supermarket, which donated cleaning supplies and toiletries.
Minister Lawrence noted that while gifts are good, it is important that everyone reflect on, and embrace, the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Managing Director of Demerara Tobacco Company Limited, Maurlain Kirton, noted that the company’s contribution is part of its exercise of corporate responsibility, having been in existence for 81 years in Guyana.

“We try to meet the needs of people who cannot provide for themselves,” Kirton said.

Meanwhile, Retail Services Manager of Harris Paints, Nicole Griffith, said her organisation responded to a request from the shelter’s administrator, Sheila Veerasammy, but looks forward to continuously working with the institution to make it more hospitable.

In appreciation, several residents sang songs and carols to entertain the gathering.