THE Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, through its Welfare Unit, has established a robust and coordinated partnership between the public and private sectors, securing generous donations from a diverse range of organisations to support needy individuals and families across the island.
Jahn McFarlane, Head of the Welfare Unit, emphasized the significance of the recent influx of donations and support, spotlighting several key initiatives and collaborations that have made a substantial impact on the lives of many.
“Throughout the year, many individuals and organizations actively contribute to our various public assistance programmes,” she stated.
“Our partners consistently step in to assist us, whether we reach out to them or they come to us. For example, entities like Massy Stores and the Lightning Aquatics Swim Club generously donated school supplies last September,” McFarlane noted.
“Additionally, we collaborated with KFC and The Salvation Army during the Christmas season, enabling children from PAP households to enjoy a festive experience with fair and gift presentations. We take great pride in these efforts.”
McFarlane also highlighted the vital role of the diaspora community, expressing sincere gratitude for their contributions.
“We have strong support from our diaspora. Over the Christmas season, we received barrels that allowed us to distribute 33 hampers to clients in the southern region,” she said.
She reiterated the call to action: “We want to thank everyone who has contributed, and we encourage more individuals and entities to partner with the Welfare Unit, regardless of the scale of their support. Together, we can uplift the most vulnerable members of our communities,” she said.
McFarlane affirmed the Welfare Unit’s unwavering commitment to assist and empower marginalized individuals and groups. She believes that with increased support and collaboration, they can create sustainable and impactful change.