Digicel Foundation donates $200,000 to 4 NGOs

THE Digicel Foundation has donated $200,000 to four NGOs (non-governmental organisations) as part of its Better Together Christmas initiative. It said the initiative "will ensure to help communities have a prosperous and bright 2021."

The foundation had asked NGOs to submit initiatives "that will make a difference in the lives of the people from their communities" on November 30. The deadline for submission was December 14.

From the 86 applications it received, the foundation chose the Court Shamrock Centre for the Socially Displaced, Is There Not a Cause, the Lopinot Tourist Association, and the Rotary Club of Maracas/St Joseph.

It said the decision was made "after a rigorous vetting by the evaluation committee."

Each NGO received $50,000.

The release said, "Court Shamrock Centre for the Socially Displaced will use their $50,000 to make a much-needed upgrade of their night shelter for homeless men in San Fernando. The Rotary Club of Maracas/St Joseph will upgrade the popular picnic/meeting area at the Maracas waterfall in Maracas, St Joseph, hence facilitating visitor activities in the rural community.

"In similar fashion, the Lopinot Tourism Association will be spending their cheque on upgrades of the community centre/tourist visitor reception area, purchase of equipment and parang instruments, all of which will enhance the experience of visitors and position Lopinot as a parang epicentre. And Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC) will be renovating their transition home for families and individuals to make their stay more comfortable."

Digicel Foundation's acting chairman Sacha Thompson congratulated the awardees, saying “We recognise the work all of you are doing in your communities to help, empower and transform the lives of the persons you work with. We applaud you for your effort and persistence in ensuring that no one gets left behind.”