Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation distributes 1000 hampers

… to Organisations and Communities

AS the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact the world, and more so Guyana, overseas-based organisation, the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation, has embarked on distributing 1,000 food hampers to the less fortunate during this very challenging period.

The donation of the hampers is a collaborative effort supported by Zara Reality from New York, USA, according to a press release.
It said that the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation tasked themselves to embark on the distribution drive because the pandemic has paused several operations in Guyana, including their free computer courses being offered in Georgetown, Berbice and on the Essequibo Coast.

The release said that the Foundation began its relief efforts in April by installing twenty-three sinks in high-traffic areas on the Essequibo Coast, including four at the Suddie Hospital. After the installation, and having seen the effects of the virus, the Foundation saw the need for the distribution of hampers to those in need.

Founder, Jay Sobhraj, believes it is his civic duty to continue humanitarian work for Guyanese during this epidemic and applauded the essential workers for their courageous act in fighting the virus.

Executive member of the Foundation, Nardeo Singh, believes that, during this time, persons should be their brother’s keeper and hopes more organisations would come forward to assist in this time of need. Singh stressed the importance of social distancing and highlighted the fact that the virus has impacted persons, mentally, physically and financially.

“Thus far, in Georgetown, hampers were distributed to the several communities and organisations, including the frontline workers of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) COVID 19 Unit, The Guyana Nurses Association, Guyana Police Force ‘G’ Division, Dharm Shala, ISKCON of Guyana Hare Krishna Study Centre, the Chateau Margot Maha Vishnu Mandir, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), St Ann’s Orphanage, Bless the Children Home, Shaheed’s Boys Orphanage, St John Bosco Boys Orphanage, residents of the Lodge Community, and villages on the East Coast of Demerara, West Bank of Demerara ,West Coast Berbice and on the Essequibo Coast,” the release said.

Chief Nursing Officer, Linda Johnson, expressed profound gratitude for the timely contribution. She said the nurses will continue to uphold the standard of healthcare in Guyana and will continue to work towards fighting COVID-19.

Assistant Administrator of the St John Bosco Boys Orphanage, Keizel Joseph, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the hampers and said that while donations have slowed up, the boys and management are managing during the pandemic, the release said.

Hampers were also distributed to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affair in collaboration with Iwokrama and the ‘Visit Rupununi’ Organisation with the intent of assisting the vulnerable and needy in the interior locations.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said he was heartened at the gesture. He said the pandemic has severely impacted the world. Still, the donation fosters a sense of togetherness towards Guyanese and to a greater extent for the Indigenous people.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.