Making more donations…
FOOD for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. yesterday handed over two 75 horse power (hp) ‘Yamaha’ outboard engines, that cost $2.3M, to assist in transporting children to and from schools in communities along Pomeroon River and at Hosororo, North West District.

Students of St. Stephens and West Ruimveldt Primary Schools (in the presence of their teachers) receive backpacks from the overseas donor that is soon to commence the feeding programme.

Mr. Rhon Beharry received the donation on behalf of the Hosororo church community and said it would benefit 23 communities.

Mrs. Camille Anndejesus, who accepted one for the Pomeroon educational system, said the beneficiary children were out of school for about one week because of transport.

Public Relations Officer of the donor agency, Ms. Michelle Branker made both presentations.

In another charitable gesture, Food for the Poor (FFP) Executive Director, Mr. Leon Davis presented the Georgetown Prison with 50 pairs of long boots.

At the same time, he reported that the chicken project they funded at the penitentiary has been yielding positive results.

Food For the Poor Public Relations Officer Ms. Michelle Branker presenting the engine to Mr. Rhon Beharry and Mrs. Camille Anndejesus yesterday.

He said the money earned from it is being saved to disburse to the prisoners involved when they are released.

In addition, Davis announced that FFP has found an overseas benefactor to fund one meal per day, three times a week, for one year at Sophia, St. Stephens and West Ruimveldt primary schools.

He also disclosed that FFP will soon be embarking on a programme to ensure that schools get proper furniture.

Chief Finance Officer, Mrs. Melissa McRae took the opportunity to point out that the 2008 audit of FFP was completed, indicating that the organisation delivered more goods and services than the previous year.

Davis explained that both internal and external auditors were engaged as there needs to be transparency and accountability.

He said only one per cent of every dollar they receive is spent on administrative costs and the bulk of the cash goes to the poor.

Fund Raising Manager, Mr. Otis Van Lewin said, because that function is important in every non-profit entity, some of the events planned are a monthly food and cake sale at Georgetown Hospital, bingo games in various regions, fun days, school raffles and a mid-stream boat cruise to Bartica.

Davis added that their focus will be on empowerment in the area of single parents, including men, sports for children as well as replicating their sewing programme countrywide. (Telesha Persaud)