The work of an NGO is a tireless one. The demands placed on these organisations by those who need their services make transportation a critical part in ensuring that volunteers carry out their duties efficiently. Recognising this, blink/bmobile donated two used vehicles to NGOs well known for their work with at-risk and abused youth. "We recognise that the nature of an NGO's work has a lot to do with commuting. blink/bmobile wanted to enhance the ability of the NGOs we selected to serve communities better," said Trevor Deane, TSTT's executive vice president– marketing, strategic analytics and carrier business. Deane recently handed over two vehicles, retired from TSTT's fleet-a panel van and a station wagon-to the Love Until Foundation and the Social Justice Foundation at TSTT's Laventille Work Centre. Rachel Byng-Roberts, CEO of the Love Until Foundation, said she was grateful to blink/bmobile for its gesture and continued support over the years.
The NGO opened its doors seven years ago and is based at Upper Church Street, Laventille. Its vision is to reach out to residents of Laventille and enhance their quality of lives spiritually, emotionally and physically. Byng-Roberts and Brian Jones, chairman of the Love Until Foundation, collected the keys to the panel van which they plan to put to use as soon as it is possible. The much-needed van will be used to distribute hampers to the Foundation's drug rehabilitation centre based in Matura and to its children's homes at Curepe and Tacarigua. For Maureen Arneaud, president of the Social Justice Foundation, receiving the keys to the station wagon was "a blessing." The Social Justice Foundation was established five years ago to bring communications technology to at-risk youths in rural areas including Matelot, Carlsen Field and Mayaro. Through The Good News Media (TGN), young people are trained in videography, reporting and video editing. The foundation also provides jobs for those trained. "When we got started I used my own vehicle to take volunteers to and from these rural areas for training. I got into an accident two years ago and my car was totaled so the foundation has been without a vehicle since then. "It was difficult because we had to spend a lot of money out of pocket to get our volunteers and the heavy equipment out to these areas via maxi taxi. The cost to go to Toco alone is $1,500. Getting this vehicle today is nothing but a blessing."