‘Tis the Season for Giving: Bahamas Feeding Network and Bahamas Rotary Clubs Donate $35,000 in Fight Against Hunger
The Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) and the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas (RCOB) kickstarted the month of December with a wave of giving by distributing $35,000, in increments of $1,000 to $5,000, to 11 organizations during a presentation at Moseff House in Fox Hill.
“The money that we’re distributing today came from wholesalers and we would like to say a very special thank you to them for making today possible,” said Bahamas Feeding Network Executive Director, Philip Smith. Funds will be shared among churches and feeding centres to help feed those in their communities.
On World Food Day in October, BFN and RCOB raised and donated a total of $55,000 to launch the feeding initiative. In addition to the joint-partnership, four wholesalers including AML Foods, Jamaica Bahama Imports, Milo Butler Distributors and Bahamas International Foods donated a collective $35,000 for the second round of giving. Each donation is redeemable for purchase at any of the listed wholesalers.
Carla Stubbs expressed her excitement with those at the press conference.
“It is always our pleasure to partner with persons who are doing good in the world, said Rotary Assistant Governor, Carla Card-Stubbs. “I want to thank the partners and the vendors who have accommodated and facilitated this. When we conceived this program, we knew that there are different feeding programs, but we also knew that there were persons in society still being left out and that were falling through the cracks, so the choice of these organizations was deliberate.”
Recipients of the second round of donations included The Salvation Army, Bilney Lane Children’s Home, Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home, Bethel Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Lighthouse Church of God, Bread Basket Ministries, Jehovah Jireh, Cornerstone Out Reach, Helping Others and First Baptist Church.
“The donation made today which was quote timely will assist the Children of the Bilney Lane Children’s Home,” said Bilney Lane Children’s Home Administrator Sharon Williams. “We are a small home and sometimes we feel that we are alone. So today, like no other day, we thank you for partnering with us and assisting us to meet the needs of the children. It will go a very long way. Like the scripture ‘To the least of us you have done unto me’, that sticks out when I see organizations like Rotary and BFN willing to help and support.”
Ray Nairn the Administrator Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home said how the donation would assist the 24 children between the ages of 11-18 who live in the home.
“It’s a great feeling to get a donation and we surely will make sure that it goes a long way keeping the kids satisfied and fed over the next few months or as long as it lasts,” said Nairn.
“As we give to the poor, we are literally giving to God and there is nothing more important than giving to God,” said Philip Smith. “One true way of getting peace is through giving.”
