BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Clinical Student Association of the Windsor University School of Medicine will be hosting a Carnival-themed Family Fun Day tomorrow (Nov. 2) in an effort to raise funds to upgrade the Cardin Home.
The event would be held at the Lime Sports Ground on Wellington Road from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.
President of the Clinical Student Association of Windsor University, Bobby Kora explained that in their medical field they would visit the Cardin Home from time to time and they had noticed that some improvements are needed in the living conditions there.
"We are a part of the Clinical Student Association of Windsor University so we have more of a base with the community. And since we are [working] in the hospital, one of the rotations we do is psychiatry, and in psychiatry we get the opportunity to visit the Cardin Home and we get to see that there is some room for improvement in the Cardin Home."
The project is the brainchild of the Events Co-ordinator of the Clinical Student Association of Windsor University, Vruta Patel, with the assistance of Kora's psychiatry group which, he said, "wanted to focus on the Cardin Home as well".
Kora said that the main thing they realised while visiting the home was that it was very hot, as there were no fans or air condition units, adding that they are aiming to have that situation rectified.
"We thought it was unfair, because a lot of the patients are bed ridden...amputees and diabetics, so we want to make it a little bit more comfortable for them. So the goal is to raise funds to install wall fans. That's our primary objective!
"Secondly, it is purchasing adult diapers and then if we have anything leftover we are going to upgrade their kitchen. The event itself is a family fun day with a carnival theme that we are trying to bring from back home in Texas."
Explaining the Carnival theme initiative, Kora said they wanted to have an event mirroring those held in their hometown of Texas, noting that "we are trying to do something a little different. We are trying to get the community to come out and support the cause".
Among the games expected at the event would be bouncing castles, rocking horses and art stations which would comprise both painting and crayons for the children.
Patel said that persons could also expect an adventure which would mirror that of a shooting range fitted with targets and prizes, compliments St. Kitts Paintball Experience.
Kora said that there would be raffles for both adults and children and that the prizes include children's books and paint kits from Harpers, coupons from Subway, alcohol bottles from Vibes Beach Bar and two free tickets, compliments Saddle Hill Adventure Park.
Patel said that Heera of Nevis would also be at the Grounds to do Henna Artwork which, she explained, is temporary tattoos, adding that there would also be face painting done by Shanel Crooke and Diandre Herbert.
The main event would be the visitation of Dora and Elmo who would be making appearances and handing sweets to the children. Patel said that children would get an opportunity to have their photos taken with the characters.
On sale will be cotton candy, popcorn, Dominos pizza, Rituals donuts, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, cook-up and goat water, among others.
There will also be both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale.
Kora and Patel said they would like to thank Windsor University School of Medicine; the Dean, Dr. Gupta; Mr. Ramesh; and Joleen Williams for their assistance in putting the event together.
Kora and Patel are encouraging all families to go out and support the Family Fun Day, as it would be an experience like none other and that it is in support of a very worthy cause.
"We were able to get a lot of support from the business community and now it is time for the actual community to come and support our cause. It is good for kids, but it also going to be a fun day for the adults. I know Saturday is usually the day people put aside to do household chores and relax a little bit, but I think it would be a lot of fun. If people come they would have a great time and it would be a memorable experience for the island."
Tickets are EC$10 for adults, EC$5 for children five years of age and older, and those under five free of charge.
Cardin Home is a health care facility that caters to the elderly. It is situated on Cardin Avenue in The Village and the residents there are provided four meals per day.
The home was established in May 1927 when James D. Cardin had donated the land upon which it sits to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The home consists of nurses, orderlies and supervisors who care for the residents that dwell in two wards; one for each sex. It also comprises a kitchen, laundry room, dining area and a grassy field that surrounds the building.
For recreation, residents watch television, read, listen to the radio and interact with each other. There are regular church services on Sundays with an occasional outing to the beach or park.
