By Frederick Halley

WITH THE Christmas season fast approaching, the Aditya Kids Trust Fund Foundation

(AKTFF), managed mainly by three Toronto-based Guyanese, is once again focusing on its annual seasonal Santa Claus parades which take place in Essequibo and Berbice.
The parade in Wakenaam is usually done around the entire island on the Saturday before Christmas (yesterday) while the Bush Lot to Ithaca version is put for the following day (today).

During the parades, goodies, including toys, clothes, school supplies and sweets are distributed to children while hampers, strollers and bicycles among other items also form part of the give-aways.
Co-founder of AKTFF Narchand “Archie” Mohan, who hails from Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, pointed out that the foundation, which is situated at Bath Village, was formed several years ago with the name originating from one of its beneficiaries who unfortunately passed away while undergoing heart surgery in India.

According to Mohan, the child’s death further energized himself and a board of directors, who at present include two other Canadian-based Guyanese in Wakenaam, resident Tyron Madramootoo and Prem Punwassie who hails from Port Mourant, to help needy residents in Bath and other outlying villages.
The local directors are popular Guyanese cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud, who is also a school teacher and top Banks DIH executive Shabir Hussain.

Throughout the years, the non-profit organization has been helping underprivileged children with medical expenses and has also been involved in a number of other social activities, operating under the motto, “Investing in Our Future by Helping Kids.”
Mohan, who is also the long-standing president for Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club which competes in the Scarborough Cricket Association Premiere League in Canada disclosed that AKTFF raises funds mainly through donations and social events here in Canada, and uses the proceeds to help the sick and less fortunate.

Apart from the give-outs at the parades, Mohan also emphasized that each month a senior citizen was identified for a hamper, compliments of Madramootoo while AKTFF also loans wheelchairs to residents in the area at no cost to the individuals.
The day-to-day activities of AKTFF are being taken care of by a staff of five, supervised by Lilly Beharry, with the building boasting a library and resource centre which cater for computer classes for all ages during the day, free of cost, while there are also extra lessons for children writing the Grade Six and CSEC examinations and these are conducted from Monday to Saturday.

During the August holidays, AKTFF also holds summer classes for both adults and children and these are followed by a graduation ceremony.
A proud Mohan, who said he has no intention of parting ways with AKTF, is of the belief that while many children were born into poverty, they should be given every opportunity to live and succeed in this world.

Meanwhile, Mohan has expressed sincere thanks to all those who have made contributions over the years to the AKTFF, including the Rosignol branch of Republic Bank for its annual contribution and is also calling on would-be donors to come forward and make donations. These donations can be made directly to the AKTFF headquarters at Bath, the three overseas directors – Mohan (416-854-3816); Madramootoo (647-299-4890) and Punwassie (416-881-3379).
Mohan also had special praise for former Region Five chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth, who he said assisted the foundation greatly during his term.