Chamely takes over at SLWA

The new executive is once more comprised of 12 younger women who will now tirelessly execute the association’s work.

In her farewell address, past president Sophia Laquis remarked that “2016 was not a large fund-raising year, nevertheless, the ongoing charitable projects were expanded along with an increase in our membership.” Continuing attention was placed on many academic charities including, most notably, a scholarship to one primary school pupil to The Cotton Tree Foundation for 2016-2017.

The outgoing treasurer’s report noted some $779,000 were donated to 42 charitable causes for January 2016-January 2017.

The year ended with the annual Hamper Project on December 6, 2016 and despite a significant cost increase of goods, the association was able to fill its annual quota of 1,500 Christmas Hampers delivered throughout the country. The association also continues to donate over 50 food hampers monthly to needy families.

Chamely expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming year saying: “Coming out of a quiet 2016, the association is geared up for a large fund-raising year with lots of new and exciting things planned. With a young and vibrant committee we will see a lot of waves from the SLWA as we embark on 2017, with emphasis on finding new avenues to expand our charity work throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

“We continue to be thankful to our many kind supporters and members who give so tirelessly to our association which was founded in 1950 by a group of eight women who lived in Port-of- Spain, with the idea that the Arab women of TT should be knitted together as a strong community and that they should reach out in charity to their fellow countrymen.” From a membership of eight at the beginning and annual donations of around $125, to over 350 members today and contributions of over $500,000 annually, the association has remained committed to its mission to reach out to their countrymen.

For more info: 286- 7592 or 287-7592 orslwassoc@ yahoo.com or, PO Box 34, Goodwood Crescent, Goodwood Park, Trinidad.