Arima group gives Covid Care

Many small businesses have had to close down because of the ongoing covid19 pandemic and the struggle to provide food is real for many families.

This reality inspired the creation of Covid Care (Comforting One another Voluntarily Intentionally Devotedly). Covid Care is a non-profit organisation founded in April 2020, that seeks to bring hope, light and relief to families and citizens around TT who have been affected by the current pandemic.

Last Saturday, the group which comprises 12 members, most of who are from Arima, went to the San Fernando Centre for Displaced Persons to deliver dinner to the residents. Some of the members live in the US.

Founder of the group Natasha Noreiga said, “Our relief efforts are many, however, our focus at this time is food sustainability and ensuring that vulnerable persons can comfortably provide for themselves and their families. Our group seeks to provide another outlook or a renewed narrative on covid19. While wounds are being created in so many areas of unemployment, financial stability etc, we seek to bring care, hope and attention to these wounds, hence our name Covid Care.”

The care packages contained rice, flour, sugar, milk cereal, salt biscuits, fresh produce, juices, water and snacks for children.

Noreiga said, “Our target audience is large families with children. Maybe a smaller family could benefit but we are really focused. Someone’s family with a disabled person will also get a package.”

The group has already delivered packages to families in Maracas Valley, Arima, Sangre Grande, St Helena, Oropune Gardens, Longdenville, Cunupia, Aripo Heights and Wallerfield. Other core members of the group are, Roxanne Sealey, Summer Boyce, Jaylon Lynch, Cheryl Noreiga, Cortlyn Smith and Alicia Sealey.

Persons wishing to be part of this initiative either through the donation of food items, monetary contributions or want to be part of the team can contact 721-7783 or 683-0062 or e-mail covidcareteam2020@gmail.com