For nearly a decade, the TEF has undertaken this initiative to share seasonal joy and goodwill with families facing challenges. This year, a total of $93,000 in food vouchers will be distributed to support those in need. This annual effort reflects the SLHTA's ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the community during the holiday season.
The Lions Club of Gros Islet is a longstanding partner of the TEF. The Club’s Past President, Samantha Joseph, thanked the Fund for this latest donation, which she says will go a long way.
“This will significantly expand our outreach throughout our communities and enable us to do more. It is great to be able to put food on somebody’s table, especially in this current time when we are all faced with soaring prices at the supermarkets. We are so grateful to the TEF; they’ve been very impactful and supportive of the Lions Club. We hope to continue to do more with them in the future,” said Ms. Joseph.
Sergeant Zachary Hippolyte, who leads the Community Relations Branch of the RSLPF, underscored the importance of Community Relations Liaison Officers.
“We interact with vulnerable individuals; individuals that definitely need assistance, especially around Christmas time. There’s this thought that crime is linked to poverty and poverty is linked to crime. So we are always grateful to receive this type of assistance where we could contribute to making somebody’s life a little better and happier. It goes a long way in trying to change the mindset of an individual that might say ‘you know what happens, I’m hungry so I’m going to rob somebody.’ It is definitely well timed and we’re happy to receive this assistance from the SLHTA’s TEF,” he thanked.
The vouchers will be disbursed island-wide through partnerships with a number of community groups, including the Lions Club of Gros Islet, Rotary Club of Saint Lucia, Dunnattar School, Alexander Family Foundation, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (Gros Islet, Babonneau, Richfond, Dennery, Soufriere and Vieux Fort stations), Saint Lucia Dove Club, Millet Development Committee, Community Outreach Grooming Service Project, religious organisations and Musicians/Entertainers.