– founder hopes to continue efforts even beyond the current crisis

IN a time of crisis caused by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 27-year-old Madonna Ghanie, through her organisation, Mommy’s Corner, has stepped up to support vulnerable persons.

As seen over the past four months, the pandemic has not only posed direct medical risks, but it has restricted economic activities, causing unemployment, closure of businesses and other adversities.

The importance of benevolence in times like these cannot be overemphasised, and it is to this end that Ghanie rallied her team to assist vulnerable persons, who have been finding it difficult to “make ends meet.”

The philanthropist told this publication that the organisation has so far distributed hampers to families and persons, in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Included in the hampers are essential food products and other household items.
Mommy’s Corner has also been providing intangible support in the form of counselling and guidance, through social media.
The recessionary situation inevitably creates mental stress among the populace, especially the vulnerable groups. With their “backs against the wall” due to economic instability and even due to loneliness caused by social distancing, persons need help with keeping their mental wellness in check.
In noticing this, Ghanie utilised her social media platforms to conduct live discussions on mental wellness. Through this forum, she suggested methods of managing stress and anxiety.

Being a single mother of two, the philanthropist believes that she could relate to persons facing difficulties during this time. And, it is because of her personal experiences and desire to help that she created Mommy’s Corner, in March, 2019.

“I was going through a difficult time in my life where I felt like I was so alone. And, at that time a friend and I was about to start a vlog , but considering what I was going through, I decided to create an organisation for mothers so they wouldn’t ever have to feel like they’re all alone,” said Ghanie.
She believes that mothers/women go through the most trials in life, and at times it is reassuring to know that they are not alone.
This vision, however, expanded as time went by, and as evidenced by the group’s recent intervention, Mommy’s Corner has not just helped mothers, but also touched the lives of many vulnerable groups.

“Over the past year Mommy’s Corner has not only been helping moms but we’ve done many charitable activities such as clothing drives, toy drives, back to school drives and even hamper distributions…We also have our monthly social activity for the moms and kids,” said Ghanie.
There is undoubtedly a need for more benevolence, especially in these times of crisis, said the philanthropist. Her theory is that NGOs know the vulnerable areas, so they are better positioned to assist persons who are affected by destabilising situations.