Ms Lenisha Richardson with vouchers
October was designated Financial Information Month of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Currency Union. Many activities were held to sensitize the people to the need for prudently managing their money, especially in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One admirable gesture of the ECCB agency in Anguilla was its charity project, in partnership with J.W. Proctors Supermarket, to provide food vouchers that would assist the island’s needy families.
Country Manager, Mrs. Sharmaine Lynch-Harrigan spoke about the initiative with The Anguillian: “Issuing these food vouchers is a charity initiative,” she said; “We are giving back to the community. We have partnered with Proctors to provide vouchers for twelve families who have been deeply impacted as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 dilemma.
“Each of these families will receive a shopping voucher valuing EC$500 to be redeemed at J.W. Proctors. We realise that every little bit goes a long way, and we are delighted to make this provision as part of our Financial Information Month series of activities.”
She continued: “We are pleased that we were able to have this project materialized so that, at least, twelve needy families can benefit. When it comes to charity, even though persons may be in need, it is still a very sensitive situation. We are very mindful of this, and we respect the privacy of the individual recipients. In terms of the selection criteria for these families, our various Financial Information Month partners have assisted us in assessing the families in our communities, that they are aware of, who are very deeply impacted. The selections, therefore, came from our Financial Information Month partners and a couple other agencies.”
Apart from this charity initiative, the local ECCB agency has been involved in several other activities for the month including: a Church Service at The Christian Fellowship Church; a Schools’ Savings and Budget Challenge; Financial tips on Radio Anguilla, KLASS FM Radio and on the Government of Anguilla’s TV Advertising Display; Weekly Newspaper Articles; FIM Theme Jingle with the FIM message; Financial Information Bazaar for COVID19 Assistance; Wearing of FIM Shirts; and a Walkathon to be held in collaboration with Anguilla Social Security Board on November 7th.
