The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 100 disabled persons on Grand Bahama gathered at the Foster Pestaina Hall on Thursday evening for a Valentine’s dinner and spiritual fellowship organised by Charity activist Grace Shepherd.

Ms Shepherd, who has organised major charity events on the island, said it could not be done without the support and help of persons, businesses and private donors in the community.

“Charity is a very important part of the fabric of every society, and its progress is measured by the charity and services offered to the less privileged and disabled who are not able to help themselves,” she said.

Between 80 and 100 persons with disability from West End, Eight Mile Rock and Freeport turned out for the event. The meal was catered and donated by Zorba’s Greek Restaurant and Sires Restaurant, and each person was presented with a single red rose.

Also attending were Texas missionaries Rev Black and his wife, who gave some spiritual inspiration to the gathering.   

The Lions Club also presented a Braille machine to the Council for the Disabled to assist its blind members.

“I am really excited about the turnout because mobility is a challenge for them and so we were glad that so many came out, and we want to show them God’s love,” said Ms Shepherd. “They have not had a Valentine in a long time and we just want to make them feel special.”

She thanked the community for coming forward and supporting the event at such short notice, including Zorba’s, Sires, Sawyers, Bethel Bookstore, Coca-Cola, and Control Chemicals.

Ms Shepherd, who is from Florida, said that it is important to share love and give to the less fortunate. “I have grown up doing that and charity is second nature in my family; it’s a part of life. When God gives you things he expects you to share, and we must show love on Earth, and everyone coming together is what’s needed to put something like this together,” he added.

Last December, 1,000 persons were fed Christmas dinner in Grand Bahama through a local charity organised by Ms Shepherd, who received support and donations from many businesses in the community.

Lions Club member Cheryl Lightbourne said the Lions Club of Lucaya was happy to be able to donate a Braille machine to the Council for the Disabled.

It is the second one they have donated, the first going to the Beacon School. 

Ms Lightbourne said the Lions Club is about sight conservation and their objection is to help the blind in the community.  

She said they have been instrumental in sending people to the Conklin Centre in Daytona Beach to help and teach the blind to better adapt to daily life. “It is a halfway house that assist the blind who are unable to properly function so that when they leave they are able to cook, clean and to deal daily chores and have some independence,” he said.

Pilot Club of Lucaya member Karen Ferguson said they have also adopted the Council of the Disabled and have distributed care packages to the disabled. “We also work with them to stimulate their minds by organising projects, such as finger painting and crafts,” she said.

She said that Pilot Club member were pleased to be able to assist by helping to serve the meals and beverages. “We want to the disabled to know that we care about them and that we will be here to support them,” she said.