The four Senior Citizens Homes in Anguilla are to be the recipients of a well-needed monetary contribution from Unity Lodge, an emerging donor to social and community development causes.
In its latest contribution, Unity Lodge, through the Freemasons Association of Anguilla, presented a cheque for US$1030.00 to the Department of Social Development to assist the homes. The presentation was made to Mr. Clive Smith of the Department of Social Welfare on Tuesday, November 1, by Mr. Andrew Niles and Mr. Eustace Brooks, two officials of the community organisation.
Mr. Niles said the money was raised by Unity Lodge at a recent barbecue function. “The donation is being made as part of Unity Lodge’s commitment to assist the community whenever possible through its various fund-raising events,” he stated. “This year, the Senior Citizens Homes were chosen as the recipient of the donation. Sometime ago the Freemasons Association donated to the Anguilla Food Bank.”
Responding, Mr. Richardson said: “The Department of Social Development is always excited with the involvement of the general public – whether businesses or organisations – seeing a need to contribute to the community, to do so. By Unity Lodge coming forward, we are in a position to assist the ‘more vulnerable and less fortunate’ persons than we are.”
Unity Lodge has made it clear that it wants its contribution to be used for the benefit of the residents and clients at the homes. “We have four Senior Citizens Homes on the island,” Mr. Richardson said. “Mr. Clive Smith, who works closely with the leaders of those homes, and I, normally discuss the best way in which those persons can benefit from contributions to the Department of Social Development.”
The Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens Home is administered by the Government through the Health Authority. The other three institutions – Tenderly Loving Care, Just Tender Care and the Rosewood Centre – are privately owned and managed.