St. George Lodge and Rotary family collaborate again to bring relief to families impacted by the volcano
On Tuesday November 11th, 2022, one hundred and twenty-four families across the volcanic hazard red zone of SVG would receive housing repair support valued at EC$449,600. This initiative was made possible through a collaboration of two major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in SVG, the Rotary family in St. Vincent and the St. George Lodge. The NGO’s have received financial support from numerous organizations and corporate entities, as well as their colleagues across the region as part of continued efforts to support the recovery and rehabilitation of families impacted by the recent volcanic eruptions.
The organizations cognizant of the devastating impact on families by the La Soufriere volcano, decided to channel the funds to assist families with minor repairs to their homes. Earlier this year, they provided similar support in excess of EC$170,000 when they executed part one of their housing project. In this current tranche, each family will receive vouchers ranging from EC$1200 to EC$4,000 to be able to shop with the corporate partners, Coreas Hazels Inc and Kendra’s Aluminum Products Ltd. The vouchers can be used to purchase materials to repair roofs and to purchase doors and windows that were damaged during the volcanic eruptions in April 2021.
Worshipful Master of the St. George Lodge, Mr. Edmund Jackson has noted “We would like to extend our special gratitude to our regional counterparts, who created this excellent opportunity of assistance. With their assistance we have been able to coordinate seamlessly with the Rotary family to bring relief once again to families across SVG.” <click here for full remarks>
Presidents of the local Rotary Clubs Family, Mr. Kurt Dougan and Mr. Daniel Campbell have both expressed how keen the local Rotary family is to welcome such a collaborative and direct impact initiative especially at this time during the rainy season where families are faced with challenges of leaking roofs caused by the volcanic eruptions.
Ms. Juliette Jacobs and Mr. Brian George of Kendra’s Aluminum Products and Coreas Hazells respectively in commenting on their companies’ involvement and contribution to the program highlighted that their businesses are always keen to support practical, positive programs such as this one by the Rotary family and St. George Lodge, which helps hundreds of families on their recovery journey. Both corporate entities provided 25% discount on the purchase of vouchers for the program.
The coordinator for the initiative, Rotary Assistant Governor, Shafia London added “Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service around the world. This program valued at half a million East Caribbean dollars is an example of how we can join hands to support communities with a shared future for humanity”
Over hundred recipients were physically on hand to receive their vouchers. A few persons on behalf of the recipients expressed their sincere gratitude to the organizations for the initiative. The highly emotional words of appreciation shared by the beneficiaries was sound demonstration of the relevance and need of such an intervention.
Rotary Club of St. Vincent South, the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Rotaract club of Kingstown are all members of the Rotary District 7030 which is home to over 2,000 Rotarians in 73 Clubs in 17 Counties & Territories in the Southern Caribbean. Rotary provides a broad spectrum of impactful humanitarian aid to communities – District 7030 is part of a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
The St. George Lodge is part of the District Grand Lodge of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which is comprised of Lodges and Chapters spanning ten islands along the Eastern Caribbean. It boasts a proud and long history dating to 1738 making it one of the oldest regions with masonic activity. One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, the roots of modern Freemasonry lie with the medieval stonemasons that built our castles and cathedrals, yet it is as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago. Freemasons use four important guiding principles to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.