The Kiwanis Foundation of Jamaica (KFJ) recently made a donation of $1 million to the ongoing Food For The Poor (FFP) relief efforts for the island of St Vincent and the Grenadines, in the aftermath of the recent eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano.

FFP has been working closely with the Consulate of St Vincent and the Grenadines to raise funds and gather items for the recovery efforts. A number of individuals and entities have responded, with the Kiwanis of Jamaica establishing a drive for supplies and monetary donations, within its local network.

Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Division 23, Don Gittens, coordinated the initiative, which received support from five divisions of the Kiwanis Clubs, namely Divisions 25, 24, 23 West, 23 East and 23 Central.  

Kivette Silvera, executive at Food For The Poor Jamaica, praised the spirit of co-operation that enabled the donation to be realised.

“Since news about the eruption came to the fore, a number of individuals and organisations have been pouring support into the recovery efforts. As a people though, we have our own struggles, we knew we had to
assist the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines; our hearts could relate to what they have been going through. In this regard, we are happy to be accepting this donation.”

She further added: “When we work together, so much more can be achieved, so we just want to thank the Foundation for reaching out in this significant way. We thank all the persons who have assisted to date, and we encourage individuals to give what they can because it will make a difference.”  

Carol Johnson, president of the Kiwanis Foundation, who presented the cheque with Lieutenant Governor Don Gittens, said: “ …Kiwanis Clubs in Jamaica want to make this donation to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines who are severely impacted by the recent volcanic eruptions. We sincerely hope this contribution will help to lessen the burden for some of the persons who were most affected. We hope it will make a difference.”

The Honorary Consul for St Vincent and the Grenadines in Jamaica, June Barbour, in thanking the Kiwanis Foundation for the donation, noted that this recent $1-million donation has placed the Kiwanis Clubs in Jamaica at the top of the ladder in donations of both supplies and funds, so far, towards the recovery efforts to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

She thanked the Kiwanians on behalf of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for their solidarity and commitment towards helping Vincentians recover from the devastating experience.

She said the Kiwanis Club of Jamaica was also the first to launch a drive to assist the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, when the Consulate for St Vincent and the Grenadines appealed for help.

Circle K in Jamaica, which is organised and sponsored by a Kiwanis Club on a college or university campus, also donated supplies to the initiative.

To date, Food For The Poor Inc. has shipped 10 containers of relief supplies while FFP Jamaica has shipped three containers so far, which included critical supplies such as water, food, clothing, toiletries and supplies for children and the elderly.