Hillview Renegades providing covid19 relief

AS TT grapples with the fallout from the coronavirus, the Hillview Renegades Sports Club continues to get emergency food parcels to vulnerable people across country.

The Hillview Renegades which consists mainly of alumni from Hillview College has been working arduously during the coronavirus pandemic with various stakeholders to bring much needed relief during this difficult time.

Thus far food parcels have been distributed in East, Central, South and North East Trinidad. Hillview Renegades were able to raise the first wave of funds from its membership for food parcels. This was followed by contributions from private sector partnerships and alumni of Hillview College.

Datta Balroop, executive member, Hillview Renegades who has been instrumental in driving the relief effort, revealed that there are many people in need of help.

"The pandemic presents a challenge like nothing we have ever seen before," Balroop said. "Demand for food parcels has been extremely high and we know this will only continue to rise as the effects of coronavirus impact the economy.

“It’s, therefore, more important than ever that we work collaboratively across the not-for-profit sector, and with the private and public sectors, to ensure the urgent food needs of those most vulnerable are met. Working in partnership with various stakeholders, we hope to unlock more donations of food from the industry, as well as the funding needed to ensure we can continue to get food to those who need it most – not just during the crisis, but in the difficult months and years to come.”

Rohan Rampersad, who has spearheaded the charitable and social initiatives of the Hillview Renegades, stressed that a team effort is required to help those who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

"It is disheartening to see the scale of food poverty in Trinidad and Tobago today and how much it has worsened because of coronavirus. We are pleased for the support from the private sector and past students of Hillview College for the Renegades relief effort.

"We look forward to working with volunteers, the private sector, local government and others, on longer-term solutions to prevent people struggling to feed themselves and their families, both during and beyond this crisis.”