The Ministry of Health, the patients at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, as well as the residents of the Cardin Home and the Children’s Home are the beneficiaries of a generous donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Elder Terry Hanley, who made the symbolic presentation, explained that the process of the current donation of a 40-foot container filled with medical supplies, clothing and bedding, school supplies and toys had been commenced by his predecessors Humanitarian Missionary Couple, Elder and Mrs. Hadlock. He explained that he personally lived at the Children’s Home for a time and felt a sense of attachment to the institution.
Elder Hanley outlined, “As Mr. Skerritt indicated, we are also working at the Cardin Home and we do have plans to go through the communities and find other ways in which we can lend our support.”
He continued, “What we are looking at is just a collection of what we do as a church in collaboration with other institutions to give to communities. This is just in terms of medical supplies –we do have relief as well, as in the case of after hurricanes, so we are here to provide you with whatever assistance we can.”
Elder Hanley further noted that future contributions should include wheelchairs as well as ophthalmic equipment and training.
In response, Minister of Health Marcella Liburd emphasized the wisdom in targeting residents who are often overlooked
She stated, “I am really just here to say thank you on my own behalf and on the behalf of the staff. I understand that the supplies would also be for the Cardin Home and the Children’s Home. And as Minister responsible for Social Services, I would like to thank you for the inclusion of our children in that gift package. We are looking at two vulnerable groups – it’s the elderly and children, so you are very much on the ball in all that you do for the people.”
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are also currently repairing the railing at the Cardin Home.