The Massy Foundation donated money recently to several local NGOs, including the Foundation for Human Development, the Lady Hochoy Home, Cocorite, and the Caribbean Conference of Churches.
In presenting the cheques, Gaston Aguilera, chairman of The Massy Foundation, said: "I am very proud to partner with these organisations that truly epitomise the role of the foundation in enhancing the lives of citizens of this country and the region. I would like to thank all of you, on behalf of the board of The Massy Foundation, for the outstanding work that you have been doing to assist the weak and vulnerable in our society."
Sharon Amow-Gay, of the Foundation for Human Development, spoke of their work in responding to the breakdown of families and communities by helping people in need to develop attitudes and skills to promote authentic personal, spiritual and social development and transformation. The foundation offers a variety of self-help workshops, seminars and counselling.
Sr Bertill Dean, of the Lady Hochoy Home, Cocorite, said that the home cares for 82 live-in children and adults, spanning ages from four to 70 years old. She explained 94 people attend their vocational centre to do many courses, from woodwork to hairdressing.
Gerard Granado, general secretary of the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC), said the CCC's members come from many places, including Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Suriname, Guyana and Panama.
The CCC's churches are all of different denominations, he said, effectively making it an ecumenical organisation. The CCC tries to help the poor and marginalised through advocacy and micro-enterprise development, he said.