Needy persons get Digicel surprise

02.JAN.09

Christmas is gone but three extremely needy persons in rural communities will always remember Christmas 2008, thanks to Digicel.{{more}}

On Monday, December 22nd, Digicel’s Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Nadine Foster and their Human Resource Administrative Executive Mercel Williams journeyed to Richland Park, Greggs and Brighton, where they distributed food hampers to three needy elderly persons.

In Richland Park, the lucky recipient of the hamper was Eva “Baby” Bobb. Don’t let the name fool you, Baby Bobb is no baby. The elderly woman is 96 years old and although she suffers from arthritis, she’s going strong. Taken care of by her daughter Sybil Lynch, Baby Bobb said that she felt really good about the donation.

“Have a good Christmas and a prosperous New Year; Happy Christmas to Digicel and may God carry you back to your homes safely,” said the elderly lady. Community Development Field Officer at the National Mobilization Unit for the Richland Park area Catherine John said that the donation will go a long way in helping Baby Bobb.

The next stop came in Big Yard Greggs, where Foster and Williams handed over a hamper to 1982 Farmer of the Year Nicholas Baptiste. Community Development Field Officer for South Central Windward Learie Johnson witnessed the donation. The elderly retired farmer is now wheel chair bound after an operation to deal with his prostate cancer was successful in removing the cancer, but also crippled him. Baptiste, who has 10 children, said that his wife who had no legs because of diabetes, died on November 30th this year.

“May God bless you all and the company,” said Baptiste, who also wished Digicel the best for the New Year.

Close to tears, Baptiste added, “It is good that Digicel helps the needy.”

Seventy-year-old Calvert Cookie Williams was the beneficiary of the third package. He lives at Brighton and appeared extremely grateful yet almost speechless for Digicel’s donation. Williams needs all the help he can get as he receives just EC$175 monthly as Government Assistance.

The not very talkative Williams said, “I feel good. Thank you very much.” Community Development Field Officer for East St. George Karen Nero was on hand to witness the donation.

This is the third time that Digicel is giving away food hampers. Williams (Digicel’s Human Resource Administrative Executive) said that the bigger, better network is always looking at ways to help members of the community.