Arima focuses on the less fortunate

Kailah, a national volunteer coordinator, was speaking at the event that was attended by Member of Parliament for Arima Anthony Garcia and Arima Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian.

Starting with a multi-faith prayer, yesterday’s event, dubbed as a “Day of Care,” was held at the Arima Borough Corporation Carpark on Hollis Avenue, Arima, and saw the distribution of clothing items as well as lunches to the lesser fortunate burgesses of the borough.

In addition to the acts of goodwill, patrons were treated to free medical checks, haircuts, pedicures and manicures.

Reflecting on the volunteer initiative, Mayor Morris-Julian urged people to view the “Day of Care” and volunteerism as a daily necessity as opposed to a one-off event.

Noting that the borough’s festivities are heavily known for parties, Morris-Julian decided that it was time for a give-back initiative to hopefully inspire burgesses to look out for one another, especially the vulnerable. The event, which was a collaborative effort between Morris-Julian’s office, the Arima Borough Council and Garcia, featured a wide range of NGOs and non-profit organisations which Morris-Julian said had committed to serving Arima’s burgesses through long-term volunteerism.

To ensure longevity, the Arima Volunteer Network will undertake various training programmes, one of which will be a disaster management training and homework programme for students who may not have the opportunity to attend lessons. While addressing members of his constituency, MP Garcia expressed his desire to see Arimians acting in a manner that would make life easier for those experiencing hardships. Garcia also took the opportunity to remind those present that the Government could not do it all alone and encouraged people to come on board in helping, through outlets such as volunteerism.

Councilor Brennan Patterson, a key member of the event’s planning committee, said the “Day of Care” would become a continuous fixture in Arima’s annual Borough Day Celebrations and be extended outside the period.

Echoing similar sentiments, Morris-Julien said she was willing to give any support moving forward to ensure that the Borough’s volunteer projects continued to be supported through private and public support.