April 4th 2014 Basseterre - Last night the Ocean Terrace Inn saw philanthropists from across the Federation including The Honorable Sam Condor attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the St. Christopher Children’s Home and Service League.
Although the numbers attending were “disappointing” said Secretary Kym Taylor it could be that “persons are not aware that this is a public meeting and we will do our best to raise the attendance for next year.” She added “If more people knew that we use the AGM as much as a discussion forum as a formal meeting, I am sure more people would want to be involved.”
A former resident, Ms Bailey opened the meeting with a well-chosen and appropriate reading from Matthew 19:14 “"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
The meeting focused on the role of the Home and the Chairman, Mr Sebastian Mottram highlighted some popular misconceptions about funding and ownership.
“We are a non-governmental organisation – an NGO set up as a charitable institution in 1935 with a remit to care for needy children in the Federation. For the majority of expenditure we are privately funded through charitable donations and we receive a government stipend. We also receive assistance in kind from government ministries and private individuals”.
Although our funding remains extremely precarious and ad hoc it is this miraculous and willing partnership of public and private sector that has allowed our work to continue but the future is by no means assured”
Mr Mottram explained after the meeting that as many individuals believe the Home to be entirely government owned and funded it makes fund raising challenging as it is a popular misconception that the government already pays for the facilities.
The Treasurer, Mrs Cleopatra Richards, graphically illustrated how important charitable donations are by showing the audience that last year the expenditure at the Home was in the region of $214,000 ec against an income of $197,000 ec of which government grants accounted for $19,000 ec.
The major fund raiser for the year, the annual Fun Run Walk, accounted for $160,000 ec of income. Mrs Richards highlighted the vulnerability of being so reliant on only one source of income and stressed that alternative funding had to be established to “keep the doors open”.
The Home Administrator, Mrs Margaret Stevens explained how important the role of the Home is to Social Services and to the community.
“Over the last year a total of 28 children have stayed at the Home with a peak occupancy of 20.” Stevens said “At the moment we have 16 residents aged between 5 and 19 years which is a handful but whether we are one or many our mission remains the same: we are primarily dedicated to providing a clean and secure place of sanctuary – a caring home with facilities to help the children heal and grow. “
She went on to thank the many volunteers and donors including Springfield Egg Farm and Island Bakeries who between them have been donating for an extraordinary 30 and 18 years respectively.
The evening ended with lively discussion on how to raise the Home’s profile through social media and with the closing remarks Mr Mottram extended an invitation to all to get involved at whatever level - “There are no pre qualifications required, simply a willingness to help and an ability to get things done.”
About the St. Christopher Children’s Home
For more than 75 years the St Christopher Children’s Home has been providing shelter food clothing and healthcare to children in need. It is a vital sanctuary for children identified by the Social Services as at risk in the community. It is a refuge offering security and a sense of belonging for those who most need it but most of all it is “home”.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information on how you could help please call Margaret 465 - 4007 or email skchildrenhome423@yahoo.com
Save the date: 4th October 2014 St Christopher Children’s Home Fun Run and Walk.
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