THE Epic Dance Group, a fast-rising youth dance group out of Linden, was presented with a donation of $50,000 on Friday which will help them to make an even greater impact in the region.

The donation was made by one of the founders of the Centre for Guyanese Progress, Gavin Alleyne.

The group’s instructor and leader, Shannon Griffith, at a small handing over ceremony, said the donation will be used to purchase clothing needed to advance the work of the group.
“We are very grateful and thankful for the donation as it never dawned upon us how impactful we have been to so many and the significant number of persons who are paying attention to what we are doing and more so, the fact that we are engaging these young ladies in a positive way,” Griffith said.

She disclosed that since the group’s emergence to the spotlight some years ago, the some 60-plus members have been ‘barely making it’ by being forced to solicit assistance.
Funding, Griffith explained, is important as most of the young ladies from the group are young girls with some 98 per cent still attending school.

Thanks to caring, supportive and innovative community members, parents and well-wishers the group has nonetheless been able to get by.

However, with the timely donation, it is now equipped to better serve to advance its efforts.
“The RDC Region 10 and more in particular, the DREO Ms. Stephen, has been our major supporter prior to this donation and we are truly happy that someone recognised that we are genuinely seeking to create a positive change through dancing and have therefore sought to support us,” she said.

“We have had some challenges but what I can tell you is that we intend to continue doing what we have been doing as we are very confident that we will continue to impact the lives of many as we are taking dancing to a whole new level in Region 10 and we are happy because the community continues to back us along with the regional officials and we are thankful for this.”

Meanwhile, the non-government organisation (NGO) has pledged its continued support to the group which has also been recognised by the Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, his Deputy, Maylene Stephen, and the Mayor and Town Council.
DREO Stephen and the REO congratulated the group, particularly the NGO, for lending its support.

She noted that it demonstrates the right spirit in boosting community development and the advancement of the arts.

She thanked Alleyne and urged him to continue in the path of assisting those in need.
“This donation is very timely and I join with my REO in thanking the NGO and more so the group for being able to attract such assistance as it’s a testimony that when you work hard somebody will notice and reward you,” Stephen said.

She assured the group that the RDC will continue to play its part and will seek to reach out to as many persons within Region 10 as they work to create opportunities and platforms for the showcasing and development of skills and talents.