TWENTY-six persons from six families, who were displaced due to recent disasters, last week benefitted from donations from the Guyana Relief Council (GRC).
A release from the GRC said Merle Franklin, from a family of one and Joan Junior, from a family of eight, had their personal belongings and roof damaged when high winds and heavy rains caused a palm tree to collapse on their 201 Freeman Street, East La Penitence home.
It said both families received assistance in the form of building materials, mattresses, clothing and food stuff.
According to the release, Mahendra Narine, from a family of seven, of Lower Kara Speightland, Linden; Linieka Roopnarine, from a family of three of Swan Turn, Soesdyke, Linden Highway; Jasmattie Harrinarayan, from a family of two of 75 Haswell, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice; and Joanna Atkins, from a family of five of Barbie Dam, North Ruimveldt, had their places of abode destroyed by fire.
The release said they received the GRC’s general relief package consisting of mattresses, food stuff, clothing, kitchen utensils and hygiene items.
During the first five months of this year, the release said GRC had to extend a helping a hand to an increased number of fire victims.
It said the GRC’s records reveal that for the period January–May, charitable assistance was rendered to 41 families compared to 25 families for the corresponding period in 2009. It added that due to the almost twofold increase in the number of persons aided, the limited resources of the Council are depleted.
The GRC said it is appealing to members of the public to donate new or used clothing and other miscellaneous items in good condition to aid its efforts at helping the society.
According to the release, the GRC is a non-profit, voluntary and non-discriminatory entity which was established to assist victims of natural and manmade disasters in the country. The Council also provides a temporary shelter with basic amenities for persons who are displaced due to these disasters.
The release said funding for the Council’s work is realized through fundraising activities and donations from persons and organizations.
The Council accepts donations in cash or kind from anyone who is willing to support its efforts, the release said.