KINGSTON, JAMAICA, September 18, 2023: The Rotaract Club of Kingston (RCOK), this past Friday (September 15), brought joy to the hearts of staff and the children at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) with a much-needed donation of care items, valued at an estimated JA$200,000.
The donation, which included junior bed and crib sheet sets, tissues, paper towels, and laundry detergents, forms part of the club’s vested mandate towards supporting child health, hygiene, and basic health care.
Speaking at the handover, Chief Executive Officer of the BHC, Mr. Anthony Wood, said the hospital welcomes partnerships of this nature, as healthcare is not just the responsibility of the government. It is all our business.
He further added that it is refreshing to see young people leading the charge positively.
“It is very good to see young people doing something positive. We hear so many negative things about youth, and the social intervention is so bad, but seeing so many young people rallying together to inspire and impact social change is very refreshing,” he said.
Wood highlighted that these tangible donations will go towards the care of our younger population, i.e., our future, who will one day, in turn, be the same ambassadors and stewards of service as the members of RCOK.
Club President, Ms. Natasha Burnett, shared that for her, this is a moment of nostalgia, as she was afforded the opportunity during her days at Wolmer’s High School for Girls to volunteer and support the children on the Burn Unit of the BHC.
“When we became aware of the needs of the hospital, particularly the Laundry Department, I saw this as an avenue in which we could help to bridge the gap and make a lasting difference for these young ones as they progress through their recovery or treatment,” she remarked.
Burnett further added, “With the help of our corporate partners, Choi’s Manufacturing and Sanmerna Paper Products Ltd., we were able to get bulk donations of toilet papers, laundry detergents, and paper towels. This, combined with the funds raised through our club, we were able to commission the sewing of 30 sets of bed linen.”
In the meantime, Mrs. Beverly Senior-Berry, Director of Nursing Services, used the moment to thank RCOK on behalf of the nursing staff and the patients.
“Each gift is of great value, and the crib sheets, especially, will go a long way to brighten the spirits of the babies and hopefully expedite their recovery,” Nurse Senior-Berry added.
The collection drive spearheaded by the Rotaract Club of Kingston saw supplies being donated to both the Bustamante Hospital for Children and Sophie’s Place Children Home.
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