Auditing firm KPMG, last weekend, provided much needed supplies to persons in the Spring Village community who were affected by the Christmas disaster.{{more}}

Partners and members of staff journeyed to the North Leeward area on Sunday, January 5, where they donated food, clothing and water to persons evacuated to the Spring Village Community Centre. Additional supplies were distributed throughout the community, one of the hardest hit by the Christmas Eve rains and flooding.

Karen Mulraine, a member of the committee established to coordinate relief efforts, told shelter manager Heather Stewart that the company was honoured to extend a helping hand in the community’s time of need.

“KPMG is all about humanitarian efforts. We love to do work in the community, so as soon as we heard about the need down here, we were very happy to come down and do our part.

“We are just hoping that what we put together is going to ease some of the strain and suffering that the people here are feeling.

“It’s a privilege for us to come to the shelter and just do our part,” Mulraine said.

Stewart, on accepting the items, thanked KPMG for the gesture, and said that the assistance will go a long way, as she explained that the persons in the shelter and the community are trying to cope with the devastation that took place.

“Most persons here at the shelter, their homes are irreparable. We try to make them as comfortable as possible, but they are going to need a lot of help,” Stewart said.

“So far, everything is smooth sailing and we continue to work and hope there is no such disaster of this nature in the future,” she added.

“We want to thank you very much. We have to eat and wear every day, so this support is greatly appreciated.”

One victim of the flooding who is housed at the community centre is Sheila Jeffery, who echoed the appreciative sentiments of Stewart.

“I am very grateful for what the private entities here are doing, especially KPMG, for seeing it fit to come and assist us. May God continue to bless you and your business. These things that you bring today will go a long way.”

Mulraine also indicated that KPMG would soon donate more items to affected communities, including beds, mattresses, sheet sets and pillows.

KPMG extended its gratitude to its partners in the relief effort for their assistance: Randy’s Supermarket, East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC), St Vincent Packaging Limited and the St Vincent Red Cross Society.

There are currently 26 persons from seven families housed at the shelter.

This number is expected to increase, as some families who had not yet moved out of damaged houses may have to.(JJ)