Wards from the Spanish Town-based Strathmore Gardens Children’s Home benefitted from donations of toys, books, clothing and toiletries from the staff at The Trade Board Limited (TBL), last Wednesday (April 5). 

Dr Hugh Blake, CEO of the Trade Board Limited, who was present at the handover, disclosed that the items donated came from personal contributions by staff at the agency affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The trade administrator expressed that the TBL’s corporate social responsibility programme focuses on education and the environment with the understanding that public-private partnerships are critical to the sustainability of entities such as these.

“It is our belief that children are the future and our support can help them to tap into the greatness they possess,” Blake said, while further committing to provide a multi-purpose printer in the near future which is much needed.  

Marcia Tucker, manager at Strathmore Gardens Children’s Home, expressed her gratitude for The TBL’s visit and the donations.

She stated, “We at the Strathmore Gardens Children’s Home appreciate The Trade Board Limited for selecting us and providing these much needed resources. This is how we survive as a children’s home, through the kind heart and donations from public bodies, private sector companies, churches and individuals”. 

Alicia Wilmot, caregiver and nurse aide at the home, provided The TBL staff who visited with a tour of the institution which included the Leigh’s Learning Centre, dormitory and kitchen. There, Dr Blake participated in a mathematics lesson and led a motivational talk with adolescents, many of whom wanted to become a solider. 

The brainchild behind this initiative, Roshane Reid, director of public education and public relations, expressed that additional corporate social responsibility initiatives will be activated in the 2023/2024 financial year.

“Easter, like Christmas, is a very special time of the year. This season represents faith, hope and triumph, and that is exactly what we want to inspire in these children. This donation is very personal and meaningful to us here at TBL because it was done from the pockets of staff members who gave willingly”, she said.

Established in 1975, the Strathmore Gardens Children’s Home currently provides care for children between the ages of four to 19. The home also provides early childhood and special-needs education on-site through its Leigh’s Learning Centre.

Currently, the home has 32 children in its care. Tucker is urging individuals and groups to donate to the organisation by contacting them at 876-855-4965.