The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement Grand Bahama Women’s Association has made donations to two local organisations that are committed to saving lives, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) and the GB Cancer Association.

Association president April Crowther-Gow made presentations at the FNM Headquarters yesterday to Justin Snisky, of BASRA, and to Norma Headley, of the Cancer Association. Both organisations are experiencing economic challenges while being faced with providing lifesaving assistance to the Grand Bahama community, she said.

Mrs Gow said that the efforts of BASRA in response to marine disasters and assisting in search and rescue is critical to the island’s community life and should never go unnoticed or unappreciated. “We want to thank the many volunteers and corporate sponsors who, like us, believe in the work, contributions, and importance of BASRA. The FNM GB Women’s Association looks forward to assisting them in the future,” she said.

She also indicated that the Cancer Association has helped many on Grand Bahama. “Cancer is a dreaded disease which affects many persons on Grand Bahama. We hope our donation will help to assist the Cancer Association with the upkeep of its building, educational programmes and hospice,” she said.

Mrs Gow noted that the association created a programme called “Beyond Colours Community Outreach Projects” which aims to help struggling organisations that assist others in the community. In addition to BASRA and the Cancer Association pilot projects, she said that they are looking to work with at least two other community organisations in this new term. She said that the association hosted a successful Cancer Fun Walk on March 7 to raise funds for the Cancer Association.

Mr Snisky said that BASRA Grand Bahama was in a financial struggle and went to social media to seek assistance. “Our membership was down and our supporters were down because of the state of the economy and we understand that, but unfortunately BASRA has to go on, and we were very pleased when the FNM women stepped up to the plate and included us in this pilot project. The efforts they put in to volunteer and their members definitely helped BASRA, which is now financially stable enough to get through the year. It is wonderful to see this programme in place that is actually helping the community as a whole, and we are very pleased to be a part of that.”