Founder and Executive Director of Pink Lily Lea Parris-Cambridge, a breast cancer survivor, has announced that the charity organisation has acquired a suitable venue, the former Learning Centre Pre-School on Pump Road, where the Pink Lily Cancer Care (drop-in) Centre would be located.
Lea Parris-Cambridge made the announcement in a press release yesterday. She said the challenge at hand was to furnish and secure funding to operate and staff the centre..
Mrs. Vanessa Williams, owner of the Learning Centre building, learnt about Pink Lily’s appeal in the local press. “After she read that Pink Lily was looking for a venue, she took the initiative to get in touch with me,” Mrs. Lea Parris-Cambridge said in her press statement.
“The Pink Lily Drop-In Centre will enable members of the public to access information about cancer, pick up informational leaflets, speak confidentially to Pink Lily carers about their concerns, learn how to do self breast examinations, attend support groups, counselling and therapy sessions in a safe, comforting and private environment. It will also be a meeting place for Pink Lily volunteers and where you can purchase Pink Lily products,” Mrs. Lea Parris-Cambridge explained.
Mrs. Lea Parris-Cambridge unveiled Pink Lily’s plans for the Centre. A retail outlet will be set up where a variety of Pink Lily logoed products from T-shirts, bags, umbrellas, bed linen and towels will be sold. “This way the charity will not solely rely on donations. By generating its own income it can provide all its services free to all its visitors and clients, offer more support, provide better care and take care of other costs,” she further said.
In her press release, Parris-Cambridge revealed that the effects of advanced cancer could be devastating, emotionally and physically. “If we don’t take cancer awareness seriously or if we continue to believe that it won’t happen to us, cancer will continue to claim lives unnecessarily.”
Lea Parris-Cambridge envisages the establishment of a comprehensive cancer care unit: “We are constantly looking for ways and means to provide the best cancer care for Nevis. For example, how we can have all required medication made available to provide chemotherapy and after-care on island as well as having a small building erected to house a chemo suite and furnish it with all required equipment, chairs, tables. This will help cut expensive airfare and other travel and accommodation costs and reduce anxiety to the patient who has to be away from home.”
She noted that Pink Lily is a charity organisation and relies solely on volunteer help, donations, sponsorship, and funding to provide this invaluable service free to clients.
She gave a detailed list of items required to furnish the Drop in Center - furniture, equipment, supplies, fixtures and fittings to completely furnish and equip the Drop-In Centre .
Lea Parris-Cambridge said all donations for the drop in centre are required by January 15th 2010 in order to prepare for the official opening that will coincide with Pink Lily’s 2nd Birthday on Tuesday 9thFebruary 2010 and for the Pink Lily Services to be available to the general public.
Electronic equipment
Desktop Computers x 3, Laptops x 2, Printers x 2, Scanner, Photo Copier, Fax, Projector, Screen, Laminator, Binder, cash till, Phones x 3, Cell phones x 5. TV x 1, DVD player x 1, Radio/CD player x 3, telephone answering machine x1, table/floor lamps x 2, iron x 2.
Furniture
Large bookcases x 2, coffee tables x 4, single comfy chairs x 12, wall/shelve units x3, side board/cabinets x3, 2 seat sofa x 1, 3 seat sofa x 1, nest of tables x 1, large rugs x 2, office desks x 3, office desk chairs x 5, floor display stands x 3, drawer filing cabinets x 2, magazine racks x 2, ironing board x 2.
Fixtures, Fittings & Soft furnishings
Window blinds x 4, curtains/drapes x 2, cushions x 6, large mirror x 1, large wall pictures x 4, clothes rail/wall bracket x 6, large plant pots x 3, plants x 3, vases x 3, room divider/screen x 2, card display stand , clothes hangers.
Kitchen equipment & Utensils
Microwave, kettle, cups/mugs, glasses/tumblers, cutlery, blender, juicer, drainer, tea towels, utensils, plates, drinking jugs, chopping board, tupperware containers, water filter, grill, toaster.
Supplies & Stationary
Medical books, magazines, office supplies, pens, pencils, paper, staple machines x 4, drop file folders, desk trays, folders, ink, blank DVD,s and blank CD’s.
WHO CAN HELP? EVERYONE!
Individuals, schools, churches, businesses, organisations and hotels. You can help if you have any item or can make an item that we need. We will gladly accept anything brand new or second hand that can be used to furnish and equip the Drop-In Centre.
CALL PINK LILY NOW! With your pledge on 469 2125, 664 8360, 664 3306 or email lea@pinklilybccn.org.
