With only three weeks before she hands over the presidency of the Rotary Club of Anguilla to another deserving Rotarian, Jacquie Ruan has made what may be her last donation on behalf of that philanthropic organisation.
The congenial and livewire Head Rotarian donated a cheque for US$2,000 towards the hurricane-hit and displaced Morris Vanterpool School at the East End Village ‘Ting festivities on Monday, June 11. It was a holiday in Anguilla marking the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth ll.
The cheque was presented to Pastor Gareth Hodge, Chairman of the Board of the Hope Centre Group, the organising sponsor of the East End Village ‘Ting. He expressed thanks and appreciation to the Rotary Club for its thoughtfulness and kindness.
Speaking earlier to The Anguillian newspaper about the donation, the London-born Rotary Club’s President and restauranteur said: “Rotary is here today giving a donation for the betterment of the school. Apparently they are here raising funds so Rotary decided to take this wonderful opportunity to assist with the Morris Vanterpool School.”
Asked how much the donation was, Jacquie, as she prefers to be called, replied: “Would it be fair to say the amount as that might be a bit rude. What do you think? Alright, we are giving the school 2,000 US today. It is to purchase things for the school. We want to make sure that they have a start to keep going. This is just for the East End School because East End seems to get missed out quite a lot, and this is my husband’s [Rollins Ruan] village. I am sure he went to this school, as well as his brothers and sisters, and I have a huge connection to East End.”
Meanwhile, the Principal and a number of teachers at the Morris Vanterpool School occupied a corner of the grounds of the Old East School selling popcorn and other delicacies as part of their fund-raising drive. They were also in a position to collect donations from passers-by.
As part of the school’s involvement in the overall event, many students participated in various games and other activities organised by their teachers for them, and for other young people from other parts of Anguilla.
