LAST Saturday, IGY Marina successfully undertook its first annual “Inspire Giving through You” initiative.
The world-wide community service project occurred simultaneously across six countries with over 300 volunteers from eight participating IGY Marina locations. The initiative, spearheaded by the CEO of IGY Marina; Tom Mukamal; saw team members, captains, crew, owners and local volunteers come together to support several charities within the communities that surround their marinas.
IGY Rodney Bay Marina embarked on a “facelift” of The Boys Training Centre, an institution with which the marina and some of its sailors already had ties. Partnering with the Centre was only natural; considering its proximity to the marina and IGY Rodney Bay Marina’s interest in being impactful on the lives of St. Lucian youth.
The project did not come at a better time, owing to the fact that the centre was making plans to celebrate its 56th anniversary the following week.
It was a full day affair with a total of 44 volunteers and the 21 boys from the centre- all full of vigour- working towards the shared goal of enhancing the centre. What was particularly noteworthy was the interaction between the boys and the volunteers. The boys welcomed such a break from their daily routine since Saturday’s undertaking afforded them the opportunity to mingle with individuals from different walks of life and cultures. By lunch time it seemed that both the volunteers and the boys from the centre had fused into one extended family, having lunch together in the shade.
The day came to a close with all parties having achieved the following: the majority of the main building was repainted – new light fixtures were put in place outside the main building (for added security) – the Care & Protection Unit was enhanced by the planting of 75 flower plants – a neglected spot of land was transformed into a sweet potato farm – a portion of the field was prepared for a cucumber farm – a substantial part of the field was de-bushed.
It was a successful undertaking which would not have been achieved without the additional assistance from the Massy Group, Exelsign, Lucian Tees, Zaika (Taste of India), Sherwin-Williams Paints, Greening the Caribbean, Youth with a Mission, the Universal Church and IGY’s strategic partner, Sol.