BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THIS Christmas has been a heart-warming and very emotional experience for Shirley Carey and family as the generosity of the business community has set her back on her feet after her traumatizing family ordeal.
Many may know Shirley Carey as a hard-working mother of eight from Conaree, holding down two jobs just to keep her family subsisting. However, Carey and her family fell victim to a devastating fire in November of this year, leaving about 10 dependents homeless. Their entire home was destroyed and nothing was salvageable.
The holiday season brought with it a spirit of giving however. A donation spree initiated by Racing and Gaming Services pooled resources from various businesses to assist in not only bringing cheer at Christmas, but also restoring hope in the lives of the distressed family members.
On Tuesday (Dec. 22), Racing and Gaming Services made a presentation to Carey in a short handing-over ceremony. The company brought tears to Carey’s eyes when it was announced that her family would receive a gas stove, an EC$ 2000 voucher for Karibhana Trading, an EC $1500 voucher for C&C Superfoods and EC$ 150 voucher for both Fulton and Island Bakeries.
Supervisor at Racing and Gaming Services Sasha Bridgewater explained that the Social Outreach Programme selected Carey to be the recipient of the donations after news of her family disaster had circulated. She said the gifts are expected to assist her as the family continues to recover from the devastating fire.
“It is our hope that the contribution towards Carey and her family can ease some of the pressure that she must feel during this time in her efforts to keep every family member smiling.
“We sincerely hope that this donation will help bring you and your family a very Happy Christmas. It is also our definite wish that while enjoying all that the season has to offer you remain safe so that you may enjoy the prosperous New Year,” she said.
A teary-eyed Carey accepted the donations, saying thanks to the companies who gave willingly to bring hope to her family in their time of greatest need.
“It means a lot! It is very nice that I am getting these things because I did not expect them, but somebody saw my need and helped me out. It is hard at times but I try to make it. So, I want to say thanks a lot to Racing and Gaming and the other businesses because these will be put to good use. Thanks for the Christmas gift,” she told SKNVibes.
Similar acts of kindness were carried out by Racing and Gaming Services in previous years.
In 2008, the company donated EC$ 5000 to the Children’s Home; 2007, it donated toys, books, blankets and towels to the Paediatric Ward at the JNF General Hospital; and in 2006, food hampers were distributed to two deserving families.
