Hanover Charities - making a difference
Published:Saturday | June 19, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Hanover Charities continues to be the beacon of hope for individuals and civic entities that are cash-strapped but want to realise their potential and contribute to society. Several college students, schools and other institutions in Hanover and extending parishes collected their allocations during an awards ceremony at Round Hill Hotels and Villas in the parish on Thursday.
The Cold Spring Early Childhood Development Centre in Hanover was on the brink of losing students through poor attendance, as many parents could not afford to give their children money for lunch.
According to the school's principal, June Clarke, "Parents just could not afford sending their child to school for them to be hungry, so we suffered from poor attendance. But we were able to change that with the assistance of Hanover Charities, as we have been able to institute a school-feeding programme."
The school received $55,000 toward its programme from Hanover Charities this year.
Health, education drive
The main objective of the non-governmental, non-profit organisation is to improve the education and health of the citizens of Hanover. Funds garnered from Hanover Charities are used to support school- feeding programmes, the elderly and indigent, clinics, institutions and projects that provide health care, organisations that promote positive values and education for children, and students in need of financial aid through the Morris-Watkins Scholarship.
Chairman of Hanover Charities Katrin Schafelner-Casserly revealed that in the past 10 years, the organisation has managed to raise US$1.5 million. This year saw Hanover Charities raising more than $11 million through its signature charity event, the Sugar Cane Ball, and the polo competition.
"As you can imagine, it has become increasingly difficult to raise funds in this ever changing economic climate. We are humbled and grateful to have achieved this milestone, especially when the word recession looms everywhere," Casserly stated.