Seventh Day Adventists donate items to needy

An estimated EC$3,000 worth of canned and dried goods was donated to various institutions on Tuesday, by the Seventh Day Adventist National Youth Association.{{more}}

The goods were the proceeds of the annual “We Can” benefit concert which was held on December 23 last year.

President of the association Anthony Patterson stated that although the take in was less than in 2011, they are still grateful for the public’s generosity, because the reward of being able to reach out to the community is well worth it.

“Those are the two main aims of the ‘We Can’ concert, outreach…demonstrating the spirit of Christmas and giving…” the president said.

Pastor Dermoth Baptiste, president of the Seventh Day Adventist mission, said that it is important to observe that the proceeds would be donated to institutions, as the ministries of the church are not only there to serve the needs of the members, but also those of the general public.

He also stated that he is very happy that persons came out to the concert and not only enjoyed, but made donations as well.

“We want to say thanks to the institutions that will be receiving these supplies and we hope that it will help in whatever way possible to help relieve your burden,” Baptiste said.

Institutions that benefited this year from the donations are the School for Children with Special Needs, the Mental Health Centre, the Louis Punnett Home and the St Benedict’s Day Nursery and Children’s Home.

Patterson also mentioned that the Society for the Blind has benefited in the past from these donations.

At the handing over ceremony, Alanda Ballantyne, departmental sister of the Mental Health Centre, expressed her thanks, saying that patients would be very grateful for the donation and that she looks forward to the association’s continued assistance.

Secretary of School for Children with Special Needs Kathique Davis also expressed her thanks to the association for their generous donation.

The “We Can ” benefit concert has been running since 2003 and last year’s concert featured various local artistes and a guest artiste from Trinidad. (BK)