Donations during the year Covid 19

3 hours ago

This year has proven to be one of the most challenging in recent times. Despite the stumbling blocks caused by the covid19 virus since March, including job losses, school closings and the emotional effects of physical distancing, this year has also featured the best people.

Several sponsoring companies have contributed to the Ministry of Education’s school adoption initiative in recent months with more than 21,000 commitments to provide laptops and tablets to children participating in virtual classes. Corporate sponsors have also made personal contributions to education, and many other private donors have contributed to the device distribution effort.

However, donations were not only made at the corporate level. Many people have taken it upon themselves to contribute in whatever way they can to those in need in their communities or those they have encountered and who have needed support this year.

Newsday spoke to a handful of donors Sunday about the importance of being our brother’s guardian through a difficult financial year.

How high can $ 5 go?

Joseph Jacob contributed to various communities and organizations last year as an employee of the National Flour Mills Company. However, he said there have been many cases over the past year where friends, neighbors and colleagues contacted him indirectly that they knew someone who needed help and would have helped him out of pocket.

“I have a social responsibility to take care of them,” Jacob said.

He said there are cases, due to pride, where people may feel uncomfortable asking for help directly.

“People can laugh when they come and ask you in person. When you work (in a company position) people may not want to approach you directly. I don’t have to know that person to help him. “

This year, Jacob said, he got a few extra items while shopping for Christmas groceries and donated the strains to some people who contacted him through friends.

“I do nothing to glorify myself. Most of the time I don’t even know who’s going. I don’t need to know. I like hidden donations ”.

He has been involved in many more donation drives this year, both through the company and personally.

“This year I did more because I realized it was necessary. Many people are going through difficult times.

“I have a philosophy: is five dollars a lot of money? Or is it a little? It depends. You don’t know how little you have that can have an impact ”.

“A meal when you are hungry is gold. That is why it is important to realize that everything helps. That meal at the right time can make that person go from severe depression to very happy. “

Jacob said he was able to help a small community in Sangar Grande earlier this year when a pasture worker in his neighborhood approached him and introduced himself as an informal community leader. The worker requested food assistance for residents in her area, and Jacob assisted community members in July and September.

Said, “You’ve brought me the community.”

Play for christmas

Creative Director of Life (Live in Freedom Every day), Events Ltd, Miguel Edwards, said that while the team has been affected by the cancellation of four of its five annual events this year, it is important to return the favor in whatever way can do your business. Life is an entertainment and events company.

“What was really important to us as a company was to show people that although we are an entertainment company, we are not only there to entertain or help when things are going well, but also when things are going bad.”

The company organized a campaign in which its team members and the public were able to donate toys and books to children for Christmas. The donation was collected at Pure Carnival Mas camp on Rosalino Street, Port of Spain, and donated in early December to Feel (Life Enhancement and Enrichment Foundation) who facilitated the distribution.

Before they began raising funds, Edwards said, Phil facilitated a meeting and greeting for the company with community leaders who explained the needs of their community members.

“We also wanted to show people that when the pandemic is over, we will not only be back to normal; it’s not just about us. We have to help where we can, either by finding ways to keep people entertained or by donating if people cannot provide certain things for themselves. ” .

Edwards said the team has collected more than 130 games and books donated to families in Arauca, East Port of Spain and Karenage. Edwards said the company generally participates in the soccer tournament Feel hosts each year, with the proceeds generally going to charities. However, this year, due to covid19 restrictions, the NGO was unable to organize the tournament.

“All the organizations participating (in the soccer tournament) have decided to do their charity campaigns and contribute to Feel.”

Edwards said that although this was the company’s first charity event, he would like to continue the business and eventually expand the company with his own charitable arm.

“Whenever you can, give freely.”

A young man, who requested anonymity, donated a laptop that he bought himself to a student at Bishops Anstey High School East. After hearing about the student and others who need devices from a friend who teaches at school, he decided to make the contribution.

“(The teacher) was telling me how difficult it was for this student and that there are many other students who are struggling, so I just did.”

As an alumnus of Trinity College East, he also felt the need to help out in any way he could.

He said that while he has never donated like this before, it is something he would like to continue doing while he can.

After making his donation, he received financial donations from others who also wanted to help, raising up to $ 4,500 so far and adding part of his monthly money. He said he will re-donate two laptops as soon as he can.

“Whenever you can, feel free to help others because you never know when you or your loved ones might need help,” he said.

With his donation, he left a note for the recipient that reads: “Keep giving to others. If you cannot donate financially, give your time. If you don’t have time, smile. If you are too sad to smile, say a kind word. If you can’t find it, in words, send a positive thought to the universe. Keep giving.

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