As the Sunday Guardian continues to shine the spotlight on unsung community angels, this week we feature the Cunupia-based NGO— Welcome Action Group and Friends (WAG).
WAG uses initiatives in its community to foster better family life.
If you happen to visit Esmeralda Road, Cunupia, two weeks before Christmas, you might encounter a jubilant community parade staged by the NGO, Welcome Action Group and Friends (WAG).
For the past 17 years the self-funded, 35-member- NGO, has hosted an annual Christmas parade through the streets of Cunupia, bringing joy and cheer to children of less fortunate families.
“I have one child I could buy him anything. When a child hugs you and smile, you know you have accomplished what you set out to do,” says Enal Ramsaroop, president of WAG.
He says the villagers look forward to the event each year, which caters for 800 people.
The parade route, Ramsaroop said, begins at the corner of Esmeralda Road, Cunupia and ends with a Christmas feast at his at William Avenue, Welcome Road.
Members of the group come together and convert their vans and pickups into versions of Santa Claus’ sleigh, decorated with sparkling lights and even illuminated reindeers.
But the parade is just one of the many charitable endeavours by the group.
Before the NGO was officially formed, the Ramsaroop family took part in countless acts of philanthropy within the community of Cunupia. The parade and forming the NGO, he says, was just a continuation of their charitable work.
Recently, WAG was on the ground bringing relief to some flood-hit residents in the community. The residents were among the thousands of people who were devastated by the October floods, which swamped almost half of the country.
On any given day you could find WAG members extending its arms to those in need, Ramsaroop said. He says he was fortunate to be leading such a dedicated and committed group of people, who are always up for the challenge no matter the circumstance.
At the same time, the 45-year-old school bus driver by profession, admitted his wife, Hannah, was the main driving force behind the ‘good works’ done by his family and WAG. He says he admires her love for giving and making others happy which, in turn, makes him happy.
“We really do ‘these things’ to build back up family life. That’s our focus. So many homes are broken. And children particularly don’t get a say in the quality of life they live,” Ramsaroop said.
“Through our events and initiatives, WAG tries to show there are still good people in the world and more importantly, there are people who genuinely care.”
The aim of the NGO is also to promote family life in the community.
WAG hosts a number of events including tours, boat cruises, and sporting initiatives among other community activities. These events, Ramsaroop says, are hosted with the deliberate goal of getting families together.
“Anything to get the family together in one space is important. The more time they spend together, the more bonding could take place,” Ramsaroop explained.
“A family that plays together, stays together,” he says.
Asked what were the future plans for WAG, Ramsaroop responded: “We are just a group of ordinary people who love our country and believe in making the best out of a family which will influence a better community and essentially influence a better society.”
For more on this NGO, visit WAG on Facebook by searching, Welcome Action Group and Friends.