Local volunteer organization, Do-Nation Foundation, reaffirmed its commitment to serving the Saint Lucian community at its recent official launch of Good Deeds Day 2022.
Good Deeds Day unites people from around the world to do something good for the benefit of others and the planet. Since 2007, millions of people from thousands of businesses, non-profits, schools, families, and individual good-doers have taken part. Close to 3.9 million people in 108 countries participate in various activities, amounting to almost 8 million hours of volunteering.
The next Good Deeds Day is April 3, 2022.
Held at Fond Doux Plantation & Resort in Soufriere on Monday, November 22, 2021, the official launch of Good Deeds Day 2022 was ripe with hope and zeal to do good, especially in service and honour of those in need and those on the frontlines as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Do-Nation Foundation’s Founder/CEO, Diane Felicien, appealed to Saint Lucians to join the movement that aims to bring hope and cheer to people who need assistance on many levels, including financially, emotionally and psychologically.
“We issue a greater call for all our citizens to join in this movement of doing good, not just for a day, but every day,” said Felicien, who is also the main lead for Good Deeds Day Saint Lucia. “We as a people are known for our spirit of giving and doing good through koudmain, whether it’s giving Ma Popo down the road a glass of water, or simply a message of hope to our family, friend or acquaintance.”
Felicien said Do-Nation Foundation will be engaging all sectors of society as the organization continues to share its message of love and hope. She called on the Government, churches, private sector, clubs, schools, other volunteer organizations, and youth and sports councils to come together on this united message of being good to each other.
During the official launch, Anicia Fowell, Events Director of Do-Nation Foundation, outlined various events that Do-Nation Foundation hopes to roll out for Good Deeds Day 2022. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
· A Good Deeds Day jingle, for which 5-time Groovy Soca Monarch, Arthur Allain, will be promoting the rules and regulations on social media and the local media houses. Allain will also lead and coordinate the jingle. Talented performers and artistes are invited to lend their voices to the jingle which will be a staple at all Good Deeds Day activities.
· A Thank You presentation to our frontline workers, for not just doing good, but showcasing team work under challenging times. This presentation will be done in line with the COVID-19 protocols.
· International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated on December 3, 2021.
· A Soup Kitchen Drive and donation of items for the elderly
· Period Poverty Drive, where Do-Nation Foundation will be requesting food items and sanitary napkins from members of the public and donate them to those in need.
· Refurbishment of an elderly man’s home
“Do-Nation Foundation will be updating our Good Deeds Day events and projects as they unfold,” Fowell said. “Please follow us on Twitter and our Do-Nation Foundation Facebook page. We look forward to partnering with you and to make that change — not for a day, but for life.”
Meanwhile, Maylisa Alexander, CEO and Founder of the Alexander Family Foundation & Events (AFFE), was on hand to receive from Do-Nation Foundation a variety of sanitary items, Ensure Nutrition Shakes, and hand sanitizers.
The AFFE, which is based in Soufriere, serves individuals and families who are less fortunate by striving to give them an excellent quality of life. Alexander said that by each one helping the other, a better Saint Lucian society can be realized.
“Each of us, no matter how much we have, we need help,” Alexander said. “We cannot do it alone. We need someone there with us. If other organizations should come together to assist each other, we can do bigger things.”