The President’s Charities Foundation has committed forty four thousand dollars to sixteen charitable organizations this year with its cheque donation. These donations were made possible from a combination of the President’s Charities Foundation reserve fund, partial sponsorship from traditional sponsors and proceeds from the President’s Charities Dinner held in October 2022.
President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin says the cheque donation is at a higher rate than the foundation was able to accomplish for the December 2021 presentation which was hosted in February of this year. He went on to express his gratitude for the sponsorship received.
“I wish at this juncture to make special mention and to register our profound thanks and appreciation to the sponsors for making it possible for the Foundation to again meet its charitable mandate despite the severe setbacks of the covid-19 pandemic and other global challenges. May the good Lord reward you a hundred fold,” H.E Savarin stated.
President Savarin provided a summary on the fundraising effort of the President’s Charities Foundation. These funds were also used to host the President’s Annual Christmas children’s party where two hundred and thirty students of the eastern district were expected to be in attendance.
“Ticket sales fifty-five thousand five hundred and seventy five dollars and sponsorship forty-three thousand three hundred and sixty three dollars and thirty cents. The number of tickets sold two hundred and forty seven; contribution, that is some people who make a contribution although the y may not come to the dinner, three thousand, and three hundred and fifteen dollars. Total collections are a hundred and two thousand, two hundred and fifty-six dollars and thirty cents. The total expenses are thirty thousand, eight hundred and thirty six dollars and eighty cents with a surplus of seventy-one thousand, four hundred and nineteen dollars and fifty cents,” the President explained.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services with special responsibility for Senior’s Security, Children at Risk, Gender Affairs and the differently abled, Hon Dr. Cassandra Williams says government continues to show its care and prioritization of the elderly through its many initiatives.
“In this new term Government has pledged to continue to enhance the well-being of our elderly so that they may live fulfilling and respectable lives in these their twilight years. As you heard from Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit during his Independence Day address, this Government has put a package of benefits in place for seniors that is unprecedented, including access to health care and medication at no cost to them. Efforts are underway to enhance the community based health care network to ensure that all our seniors get the necessary attention,” Dr. Williams stated.
Dr. Williams expressed her appreciation to President Savarin for his commitment to this initiative over the years.
“I thank His Excellency, President Charles Savarin for leading the charge so successfully during his tenure. You are a committed group of citizens who have clearly embraced your responsibility to care for your fellow men. Your work is significant, it is important, and the government of Dominica is immensely grateful for all your efforts. As Minister responsible for the differently abled and senior security, I wish once again to express gratitude for the kind and generous contributions of all concerned. I wish also to assure the beneficiaries and others within our society who may be in need of similar assistance and support, that my Ministry will continue to be in your corner,” Dr. Williams added.
The beneficiaries of this year’s cheque donations include the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities, St. Jerome’s Ministry, Dominica Council on Ageing, REACH, House of Hope, Our Lady of Fair Haven Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society, The Northern Conferences Of St. Vincent de Paul Society, The Social Centre, Operation Youth Quake, Mahaut Senior Citizens’ Home, Community Hostels Inc. (formerly known as Grotto Home), Abilities Unlimited ( formerly known as Workshop For The Blind), Dominica Infirmary, The Northern District Home For The Aged Inc. (Grange), St. John’s Charity (formerly known as Care of the Elderly) and Alpha Centre.