By Shirley Thomas

THE Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) , in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), yesterday brought pride and joy to the hearts of 50 single mothers by publicly acknowledging them for their commendable job of mothering, honouring each with the presentation of a Mother’s Day Hamper.The mothers, drawn from across Guyana, were nominated for their commendable jobs of mothering despite the odds, and for ably performing the job of both mother and father in the homes. The mothers were delighted at the exposure, since many of them have not previously been in the limelight nor received public acknowledgement of their roles.

Being herself a single mother, Noel said she understands the challenges, but was able to garner strength from her mother who was also one and made a good job of it.
“WE ALL ARE STRONG”
She commended the mothers present for their strength and courage as they go about the arduous task of parenting singlehandedly. “We all are strong and sometimes we never know the extent of our strength until we have no other choice but being strong.”
“Project 6/50”
The function was held at the Water Chris Hotel and was the launching of what the designer of international acclaim described as “Project 6/50.”

This project, she says, provides the 50 hampers for the 50 single mothers across Guyana; giving US$50 to the oldest person in 50 churches across Guyana; giving US$50 to 50 underprivileged children for educational material; partnering 50 mentors with 50 mentees; teaching fabric art design to the students of the David Rose School for Special Needs; as well as holding an exhibition for 50 fashion illustrations by Clinton Duncan.
Noel said the Foundation has been fortunate to partner with a number of companies and individuals that have helped to get the hampers for the women honoured yesterday.
The partners, classified as good corporate citizens, include: the Beharry Group of Companies; the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc; DeSinco Trading Co. Ltd., Ricks and Sari; Nigel’s Supermarket; Johnny P; Ryan and Rishma Albadodr Grocery (Stall Nos. 77-78) in STabroek Market; Lloyd Persaud and Sons (Stall 59-60), Bourda Market; Survival Supermarket; Sterling Products Ltd. Special thanks go out to Surojanie Nudler and DEnmore Garment Factory.
Meanwhile, Global Seafood Distributors also contributed 50 specially packaged portions of boneless salted fish to all of the single mothers receiving hampers yesterday.
Coming closely on the heels of the grand presentation at Water Chris, was another distribution yesterday afternoon, to single mothers at Linden. Those hampers were provided by Bolo’s Variety Store; Virtuous Women on a Mission; Mr Andrew Mc Bean; Ms Vanessa Kissoon and Mr Sharma Solomon.
Describing such goodwill gestures as acts of ‘love’, Noel declared: “The love revolution is colouring our nation, enlivening souls; making us earthy, natural and loving. Let use continue to make love contagious!”