-It’s the event that the needy and shut-ins in the rural communities have been looking forward to all year. It’s the LIME Community Outreach.{{more}}

LIME, voted Best in Company by the Chamber of Commerce, and only full service telecommunications provider, has been warming the hearts of the elderly and needy with gifts of food packages that will make their holiday season brighter.

LIME officials journeyed throughout the length and breadth of St Vincent and the Grenadines to contribute food packages. The program that forms part of LIME’s calendar of events started more than twelve years ago, whereby the nurses from the rural areas are asked to submit names of needy persons from their district that require attention, especially at Christmas.

“When the program started, the list was less than 100 persons, but has grown over the years, and we can boast of helping over 200 persons this year,” said Sandra Matthews, Vice President Human Resource. “The conditions under which some persons live make you want to cry, but we have to lift their spirits, and you can see the joy on their faces when they get someone to share a moment or two with them,” Matthews continued.

Lyn Poter, 101 years old, and well spoken, from Spring Village, could not withhold her emotions when she received her food package. When asked what were her plans for the season, she said: “By the grace of God I have lived to see another Christmas and life is hard and I have to thank him for his mercies. I will be 102 years old in February, and by the grace of God, I will be here again next Christmas. I am happy for this package from LIME. God bless you all.”

Another elderly shut-in was Odessa Delpesche of Petit Bordel. Odessa is 98 years strong and looking forward to her century.

“This year the focus will be on healthy foods since we have lots of diseases like hypertension and diabetes affecting the elderly. We have to encourage and promote healthy lifestyles,” said General Manager Leslie Jack”. We have spent over three hundred thousand dollars on this program since its inception, and we hope to continue to give back to those in need in the future.”

Villagers from Fitz-Hughes to Fancy on the mainland and Bequia to Union Island were treated this year.

This year LIME has teamed up with ROK, Canfest Promoters, to extend the Community Outreach program to have a wider reach. Canfest 2011 will feature Jah Vinci, Sherwin Winchester and many local acts, at the Victoria Park. Patrons will be asked to donate three cans of food items to gain entry into the show. LIME customers will be asked to top up $10, and proceeds will be used to purchase food items as well for the LIME/ROK Community Outreach program. It is expected that this year the Salvation Army and Red Cross will be included in the disbursement of food items to the needy.