–First Son’s annual fundraiser draws strong support at State House
FIRST Son Zayd Ali’s annual lemonade sale, on Thursday, proved to be another major success, raising approximately $10 million to support animal shelters and rescue organisations across Guyana.
Held on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown, the charity event drew a steady flow of families, children and other supporters who turned out to back the initiative, which has now been running for about four years.
The six-year-old hosted the fundraiser to aid local animal welfare groups, with lemonade sold at $1,500 for a 12-ounce cup and $2,000 for a 16-ounce cup. Candies were also on sale, while snack boxes were distributed to children from orphanages who joined in the fun.
The event also featured several attractions for children, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and opportunities to feed and pet a pony.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with members of the Cabinet, were also present to show support to his son, wife, and the cause. He was joined by Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, John Jovanovic, and his delegation.
Tails of Hope, Animal Kingdom Pet Care, Paws for Cause, Rosewood Foundation, Hope for Animals Inc., the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Ravena’s Rescue, Furball and Friends Foundation Inc., The Guyana Foundation for Animal Rescue and Welfare and Pawsome Oasis each received $1 million from the proceeds.
Speaking to members of the media in the presence of his mother, First Lady Arya Ali, Zayd said he hosts the lemonade sale because he wants to give back and because of his love for animals. He also thanked all those who came out to support the event.
According to the First Lady, the initiative was her son’s idea and was designed to encourage kindness and compassion toward animals from an early age.
“This is Zayd’s idea of giving back,” Mrs. Ali said, while noting that the annual event was established about four years ago as a way of helping him channel his passion for animals into meaningful action.
She said the sale, which ran from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs, was intended to raise funds for local animal welfare groups and organisations, many of which had representatives present at the event.
Mrs. Ali said the proceeds would be distributed to support as many shelters as possible, even as she acknowledged the wider challenge of animal overpopulation and the strain it places on such facilities.
She also used the opportunity to call for greater compassion in the treatment of animals in Guyana.
According to her, there has not been any significant shift in the way some people treat animals, and she stressed that more needs to be done to promote dignity, love and proper care for them.
About 200 children from various orphanages were also invited to attend the event.
Mrs. Ali explained that children from orphanages are regularly included in activities hosted at State House, allowing them to participate and celebrate alongside others.
Among those attending for the first time was Fazal Nazeem, who said the event was well worth supporting because of his own love for animals. He attended with his wife and three children, all of whom bought lemonade and candies.
Rosaline Perreira, another first-time attendee, said she would return next year, noting that the fundraiser highlighted the importance of greater support for animal welfare efforts in Guyana.
She attended with her three children, who enjoyed the lemonade, which she described as a tasty and refreshing treat on a humid afternoon.
Felissa Musa, owner of Bless the Children Home at Industry, East Coast Demerara, also praised the initiative.
She said it was commendable that Zayd, at such a young age, was already demonstrating a commitment to giving back. Musa attended the event with the 24 children who reside at the orphanage.
