NLCB donates $150,000 to Living Water

Hours after almost 300 people were turned away from the Living Water Community (LWC) on Frederick Street, Port of Spain on Wednesday because there were not enough hampers, managers from the National Lotteries and Control Board (NLCB) held an emergency meeting and agreed to donate $150,000.

Speaking with reporters at a handing-over ceremony, chairman of NLCB's sponsorship committee Dwight Andrews said he was moved to act after learning people did not receive food hampers on Wednesday.

He said while it was a difficult time for companies to earn money, it was important for businesses to make the effort to share whatever they could with those who were less fortunate.

"I immediately got members of the board together and lobbied on behalf of the Living Water Community, and the board, within 15 minutes,came to a unanimous decision to help out, because we understand what's going on in the society as a result of covid19.

"The money was transferred to Living Water's bank account – in what is now a record at NLCB, because it took only 58 minutes.

"While we would like to give, we are in the same situation as everyone else, in that we are not earning any revenue. But in our case part of our revenue is set aside to assist in charitable donations. We were lucky to have some money."He said covid19 presented a "unique challenge to all corporate entities."

Andrews encouraged other companies to do their part in helping others citing a "moral and corporate" responsibility to the less fortunate.

Newsday also spoke to Rosemary Scott, assistant director of LWC, who thanked the NLCB for the donation and said the money would be useful for buying supplies in bulk for more donations.

She also said since the outbreak of the coronavirus she had been heartened by the outpouring of support from both public- and private-sector entities.

"It's very necessary and needed at this time. It has been amazing,the tremendous support we've received from both private and public sector. We've seen the generosity of so many people. It has been a wonderful show of solidarity. This is the TT we know."