BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESMOND HERBERT, President and founder of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation said that for this year his organisation would be focusing on the sick, elderly and less fortunate.
Herbert said his organisation would once again come forward to lend assistance to a number of other organisations and institutions in 2011, and management intends to continue building upon the principles under which it was established some three years ago.
The Pastor said that in an effort to bring some degree of happiness and cheer to some people, among whom may have been neglected by family members and forgotten by society, his organisation had presented them with hampers during the Christmas season.
“It was yet another timely gesture from the foundation which has since its formation been giving back to those in need, as we believe that the sick, less fortunate, homeless, single parents and spiritually affected should be assisted in any way possible,” Herbert said.
He informed that some of the organisation’s members were recently on an island-wide tour and had given several household items to deserving individuals and families.
“We donated cash and other articles, including foodstuff, toiletries and clothing,” Herbert said.
Herbert also informed that despite the effects of the financial crisis, the organisation was able to remain active. He noted that while a relatively large amount of people had sought assistance from the organisation, only a few of them had made contributions.
Pastor Herbert, who spearheaded the yearend donation and giveaway initiative, said he is happy that many people in St. Kitts and Nevis have not lost the spirit of giving, noting that while some were reluctant to give others were eager.
Identifying a number of initiatives that will be rolled out this year, Herbert said the organisation would look at visiting more shut-ins because a growing number of persons are living in poverty. He said that while some people may not be familiar with some of the poverty stricken conditions under which some individuals live, his organisation had compiled a list of names in an effort to mobilise and provide assistance.
He said also there are some homes and institutions that are badly in need of maintenance and his group would seek avenues in remedying the situation.
“We are cognisant that we cannot do it alone, but I intend to source avenues which can help in giving assistance.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the project of helping others, Herbert said there are days when he feels frustrated and tired but his spirit remains committed and dedicated to the cause of many.
“It is sad to see the pain and suffering that some people are going through while sometimes my heart aches to see the suffering that young children are exposed to,” he said.
Herbert declared that he intends to monitor some of the people who are being assisted by his foundation with the aim of ensuring that their situation is being properly addressed. He stated that he is very pleased with how the foundation has functioned since its formation and noted that the numbers continue to increase in terms of persons who they have reached out to.
The Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation is a non-government organisation founded in January of 2008 by Desmond Herbert with a mandate to reduce poverty, assist those who are sick, the homeless, the unemployed and single parents, as well as those in need of spiritual and financial assistance, while uplifting the lives of the general public.
