The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – In a final act of charity, the Business and Professional Women’s Association yesterday made a donation to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and the Columbus Home for Girls.

Although the association is no longer active, members Lily Moxey and Alice Pinder decided to donate the funds remaining on the association’s account to organisations that care for young children.

“The women’s association is one that believes in our future generation and that is the reason we have chosen these organisations,” Ms Moxey said.

“We thought it was a most appropriate time especially since the children have returned to school, and with Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday approaching.”

The Grand Bahama Children’s Home, which has annual operational costs of $350,000, depends on private and corporate donations.

The home cares for orphaned children from infancy to 12 years of age.

Ms Moxey said the BPWA had been in existence for many years and raised money through their annual fundraising luncheons.

“The funds raised were initially earmarked for scholarships for young women; however we saw a need to give it to the Children’s Home.

“We are not active at this particular time, but we wanted to support organisations that assist in the development of young people.”

Lesley Davies Baptista, a representative of the GB Children’s Home, was very appreciative to the BPWA for their generous donation.

“We experience a shortfall every year, and this donation will help us keep the home operational,” she said.

Ms Baptista said that while the organisation receives a yearly subsidy of $150,000 from the government, they are responsible for 50 per cent of the operational costs.

Donations to the Home, she said, go toward paying for utilities, food, and providing care 24-hours a day to the children.

Ms Baptista reported that there is usually an increase in children at the Home during Christmas and Thanksgiving.

She noted that despite challenging economic times, the GB community continues to support the Home.

“It takes a community to raise our children, and so organisations like the BPWA and their donations are so very important to us. We appreciate it and hope others in the community will follow suit,” she said.