Fui Toong On Association donates $100k to Homeless Assistance Office

THE Fui Toong On Association has donated $100,000 to the Homeless Assistance Office in Port of Spain.

On Tuesday morning, the association launched its inaugural Chinatown 7k Road Race set for September 10 at its head office on Charlotte Street, Port of Spain.

Joe Chan, president of the association, said the donation will assist the NGO with its continued work in helping homeless people.

In addition, Chinese ambassador to TT Fang Qiu said he, too, supports this initiative because it shows "the genuine friendship we treasure so much."

Founder of the NGO Anthony Salloum said he was very thankful but admitted that he was shocked when he learnt of the donation.

He said his secretary initially told him the association was donating $10,000, and he was already in awe, then when the e-mail was reviewed and he realised it was actually $100,000, he could not contain his joy.

"I say 'Nah! Yuh joking!'"

That joy, though, he said, is not because he's interested in any personal gain from the donation but it demonstrates his excitement to continue helping others.

"I need help," he said.

"(Now) we have a big cheque to spend (which will) benefit all of those people.

"With your (the public's) help, we could help the most vulnerable people that are so close to all of our hearts."

He said the money will be spent "the right way."

He said he has been working alongside the Ministry of Social Development since 1998.

"These people (homeless people) are our brothers and sisters..."

MP for Port of Spain South Keith Scotland said homeless people "cannot be ignored.

"When you walk on Charlotte Street, when you walk on Frederick Street when you just go across from Riverside Plaza...It is a sign that needs to be addressed," he said.

In September 2022, the government closed the Riverside Homeless Shelter, at Riverside Plaza carpark, Port of Spain after 32 years in operation.

Owing to several issues, owing to several challenges, the Social Development Ministry decided to move the residents and close the centre.

However, many continued to dwell just outside of the building. This, too, was shut down in July.

Data from the ministry shows that as of July 13, there were 254 street dwellers in Port of Spain area – 239 men and 15 women.