For the sake of the children

NON-Governmental Organisation, The Children’s’ Ark, recently received a cheque from Nutrien (formerly PCS Nitrogen) in the sum of $492,750 to go towards reconstruction of the surgical ward at the Princess Elizabeth Home for handicapped and challenged children.

At a cheque-handing over ceremony last Thursday at the Children’s Ark boardroom in the Good House Medical Centre on Ariapita Avenue, Nutrien managing director Ian Welch said giving back to society was not only a pleasure but also a privilege for him and the company.

“Growing up, my mother in many different ways made sure we embraced the principle that giving to others is not only a duty but a privilege.

“Today, it is our privilege to partner with The Children’s Ark as we do our duty to give back to our people. Indeed, we believe our success as a society is not judged by how well our affluent are doing but rather, by how we treat with those in need,” Welch said.

He said one of the core values of the company, which is the world’s largest producer of crop nutrients, is to build and grow communities in which it operates.

He spoke in glowing terms of the company’s Model Farm at Perseverance in Couva which is a 75 acre teaching facility. Since 2010, he said, the company has trained 12,200 members of the local farming community, at no cost to them.

“And so today, the partnership we embark upon with The Children’s Ark, is a natural fit for us. It adds definition to who we are as a company and the things that really matter to us,” Welch said.

He congratulated The Children’s Ark on the “wonderful work” it continues to do whether in the “Prison Reading Programme”, the “Typing with your Eyes” project, the Beetham Youth Project and work in counter trafficking.

Upon completion, Welch said, the new surgical ward will provide doctors with an appropriate and well-equipped space to perform surgeries for the children of the Princess Elizabeth Home.

It is always charitable individuals and charities, that have the capacity to nurture, repair, build and sustain a society, Welch said. And that is why we are pleased to partner with The Children’s Ark because our goals coincide. And we all know that giving is central to a healthy society.

For her part, president of The Children’s Ark, Simone de la Bastide in a press release sent later to Newsday, said the group was extremely grateful to Nutrien’s generosity which will go a long way in saving young lives.

Their grand contribution to the Children’s Ark of $492,750 is indeed indicative of their significant leadership and policy, regarding corporate social responsibility as well as their acknowledgement and support for the overall good work done by The Children’s Ark, de la Bastide said.

It is partnerships like these, she pointed out, that make a real difference in uplifting and building communities.

The Children’s Ark, a registered, non-profit, charitable organisation partners with many organisations and government agencies on several projects in an effort to fulfill its mission of improving the lives and living condition of TT’s marginalised children. Some partners include the Prisons Service, the Army Reserve, the Victims and Wellness Support Unit of the Police Service and the counter-trafficking unit under the Ministry of National Security.

Recently, support from a single donor and supplier enabled the Children’s Ark to donate a new 32-seater bus to Goodwill Industries for use by challenged students who were often sexually and physically abused while using the public transport system.

At the PoS prison, 14 colonial Death Row cells were demolished by prisoners as the Children’s Ark constructed a library within, furnished and completed with the help of an individual donor in partnership with noted Newsday columnist and educator Debbie Jacobs.