Diaspora Day of Service: Building back the love for Jamaica
Key Points(5)
- The continual expression of the day was “drive until the road ends” as dignitaries, volunteers, builders, and press gathered in Chatham, St.
- James, Jamaica on Thursday, June 20th as part of the many service projects that occurred across the island for the Diaspora Day of Service.
- <a href="http://foodforthepoorja.org">Food For The Poor, Inc</a>.
- together with Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, partnering with <a href="http://www.HomeApproved.org">Housing Foundation of America, Inc</a>.
- championed the ‘Build A House in One Day’ Project benefitting a family of four.
The continual expression of the day was “drive until the road ends” as dignitaries, volunteers, builders, and press gathered in Chatham, St. James, Jamaica on Thursday, June 20th as part of the many service projects that occurred across the island for the Diaspora Day of Service.
Food For The Poor, Inc. together with Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, partnering with Housing Foundation of America, Inc. championed the ‘Build A House in One Day’ Project benefitting a family of four.
Shem Hunter was seen reflecting on his former "shack," just steps away from the new wood panels and fresh coats of paint.
“This is much more than I expected," stated Hunter, a now proud homeowner, as he joined the team in the building.
Diaspora helping hands
Welcomed by the enthusiastic Development and Marketing Manager at Food For The Poor, Marsha Rose who ensured the productivity and safety of all participants, the foundation was filled with supporters of the project that aided in construction and painting including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honorable Kamina Johnson Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VM Group, Courtney Campbell and donor representing Housing Foundation of America, Inc. Annlee Armstrong-Bishop, who coincidently is from Chatham herself.
“It seems as if everything was frozen in time [..] Adelphi is exactly the way I remember it," stated Armstrong-Bishop. “It is very surreal to be back in my community and building it up with gratitude alongside an amazing team like Food For The Poor, Inc.”
Remarkably, just minutes away from the novel house, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honorable Alando Terrelonge joined forces with Food For The Poor, Inc. and Housing Foundation of America, Inc. at Goodwill Primary and Infant School where they distributed 100 food packages to impoverished persons. Residents were hopeful and grateful as they were acknowledged with grace and compassion by the entire team.
Curious Goodwill Primary students, who recently concluded exams, peered outside their classrooms and echoed joy as the contributions took place.
“This truly exemplifies the very spirit of unity and to build up communities and people because our human connection is very important," stated the Terrelonge.
The Diaspora Day of Service concluded the week-long 10th Biennial Diaspora Conference which exceeded Jamaica’s expectations marking an attendance of over 1,100 participants.
The diaspora is motivated to produce positive change for the island. Forming partnerships and working together are the building blocks to helping the community. Unconditional love, inspiring trust, and faith are some of the key values of Food For The Poor’s mission.
With this collaboration, those values were personified as they pursued their intent of building back their love for Jamaica.
