Residents of Mon Desir have come together to create a food hub for members of their community who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions.
Housed at the community centre, those who require basic food and sanitary supplies can visit and pick up what they need.
According to the woman behind the idea, 27-year-old member of the community, Kailash Kalipersad said she wanted to target the residents of the rural community who are often overlooked by larger corporate entities.
“My aim in initially doing it, together with everyone else, was to get things out to persons in these areas because usually persons in these areas are...overlooked by the more hefty sponsors,” she told Guardian Media.
She said one of the reasons they chose to create a food hub instead of distributing hampers was to prevent wastage.
“Not everybody is in need of everything (so with) a little you go a long way. You come, pick up what you want to pick up—what you need—and you go. You leave for others that may be in need also,” she said.
The group of residents hope to continue the initiative for “as long as possible” and assist as many people as they could.
But while the councillors played a key role in organising donations, Kalipersad said more is needed.
“Whether you’re from the community or outside of the community and you’re able to give, we’d be accepting anything,” she said.
One of the hub’s organisers, Sharon Nichols-Deoraj also appealed for similar initiatives to be done across the country.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know there are many unfortunate families who cannot provide for themselves and we are encouraging other communities to take this initiative that we have done,” she said.
“Especially the NGO’s, the businessmen—we are encouraging people to give back to their communities. We have to be our brother’s keeper and to help those who are less fortunate.”
Those willing to donate items or sponsor the initiative can contact Kailash Kalipersad at 348-9443, Javed Mohammed at 799-2769, Deryck Bowen at 462-2469, Chanardaye at 462-3036 or Sharon Deoraj at 350-3928.