A significant donation exceeding CAD $100,000 from the Saint Lucian Diaspora in Canada was recently presented to the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) to support the provision of health services in Saint Lucia.
The donation, which included a container of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and walking sticks, was received by John Victorin, the Executive Director at the SSDF, from His Excellency Julian Du Bois, Ambassador for Saint Lucia Diaspora Affairs, on July 19.
Victorin emphasized the immense value of the donation, stating that the mobility aids will greatly improve the quality of life for many individuals who are currently without these essential items. He expressed hope that those in need will make use of the aids and highlighted the SSDF’s effectiveness and efficiency in terms of delivery.
Ambassador Du Bois commended the two Saint Lucian businessmen in Canada for their generous donation, emphasizing the positive impact it has on the nation’s development.
“It is heartening to see Saint Lucians abroad contributing to the nation’s development and not leaving it solely to the government,” said Ambassador Du Bois. “Such generosity strengthens our community and provides much-needed support to those in need.”
Victorin also mentioned that the walking aids will be distributed to various institutions, including the Saint Lucia Red Cross and the Owen King EU Hospital, which currently faces a shortage of wheelchairs, as well as homes for the elderly.
The SSDF official noted that the burden of providing support, especially as it relates to the provision of goods and services, cannot always be dependent on government assistance.
He reiterated the importance of ongoing collaboration with the donors and stressed the need for well-to-do Saint Lucians in the Diaspora to contribute to the betterment of their fellow citizens through mobilizing resources and supporting initiatives such as this generous donation.