VICTIMS of recent fires were, on Thursday, given assistance by the Guyana Relief Council (GRC), a charitable, non-governmental organization which renders assistance to persons whose lives were disrupted by manmade or natural disasters, especially fires.
Among the families who received assistance was Cureen Fraser, whose family of six took up residence temporarily at GRC’s shelter on April 25 last.
This family suffered losses as a result of the fire that occurred at Barrack Street, Kingston on Easter Monday last. They were resident at GRC for approximately two months until they were relocated to rented premises.
GRC provided assistance in the form of mattresses, foodstuff, clothing, kitchen utensils, and hygiene items. In addition, this family was provided items of furniture to furnish their newly-rented apartment.
Other persons who received assistance were Cheryl Kattow (family of seven), of Lot 189 Friendship Squatting Area; Malisa Allicock (family of four), of Lot 43 Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward, Linden; Sewkumarie Kumar (single person), of Lot 8 Pigeon Island; and Oneeta Bacchus (family of five), of Brushe Dam, Vigilance, East Coast Demerara.
Administrative Officer at GRC, Lynette Carter, said at the presentation ceremony yesterday that the GRC cannot do this alone. “We need your (the public’s) help. We are profoundly grateful for the members of the public – corporate and private citizens who, through their benevolence, have enhanced the provision of ‘care packages’ to persons affected by disasters.”
She pointed out that the Council facilitated 68 families, comprising 256 persons who were affected by disasters and in difficult circumstances for the year 2011.
“Please feel free to call us on 225-3081, or visit our office at Lot X, West of Public Road, Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, should you desire to contribute in cash or kind,” Carter said.