FOOD FOR THE POOR BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO RESIDENTS OF GOLDEN AGE HOME - News Release - December 12, 2014

THANK YOU, FFP: David Mair (center), Executive Director, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, accepting a plaque from Morelene Moncrieffe (right), Supervisor of Cluster D at the Golden Age Home on December 9 after the charity organisation hosted a Christmas treat at the Home. Sharing in the moment is Marcia Hall-Walker, Social Outreach Manager, FFP and Sharon Bowley (background), Supervisor of Cluster G.

NEWS RELEASE

Kingston, Jamaica – December 12, 2014: A joyful and memorable time was had by approximately 200 residents and caregivers from the Golden Age Home in Kingston, who were treated on December 9 to a day of lively entertainment, food and gift packages courtesy of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica.

The Christmas treat catered to the three Food For The Poor sponsored clusters D, B and G, which house residents who are severely challenged, both mentally and physically, and seniors with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

In explaining the purpose of the event, FFP’s Social Outreach Manager, Marcia Hall-Walker said, “Over the years, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica has continued to support the Golden Age Home in various ways through the provision of food, clothing, furniture and medical items. Today’s event is an extension of what we do throughout the year where FFP staff members come in and feed and spend some time with the residents here at the Home.”

She further explained that, “this is just one of the many treats that FFP organizes each year to show the most vulnerable in our society that we care and that we’ll always be here for them… This is what Christmas is all about…spreading the love and giving hope to many who are dispossessed and often times forgotten.”

Morelene Moncrieffe, Supervisor of Cluster D for the past seven years, was happy to see the team of volunteers and staff members from Food For The Poor who showed up to treat her “babies”, the 50 residents, 39 females and 11 males.

“These are my babies and it was a joy to see the smiles on their faces when the team showed up today… They are very appreciative and look forward to this event every year. Those who cannot literally say thanks with their lips, express gratitude with their limbs. These residents hardly get visitors. A few church groups come in but hardly any family members, so they anticipate this event. As far as they are concerned, you have adopted them…you are like their mothers.”

Food For The Poor Brings Christmas Cheer to Residents of Golden Age Home

Ms. Moncrieffe continued, “Words cannot express the joy it brings to our hearts to see our residents so happy. What I like about Food For The Poor is that this is not a one off gesture, they support us in many ways throughout the years. For example, our Physiotherapy room was constructed by Food For The Poor and they ensure that we have a physiotherapist to cater to the residents. Our recreational area was outfitted with furniture thanks to them. Our bed linens and medical items come from Food For The Poor…and I could go on and on. They have adopted us and have spread the love across this institution and this is greatly appreciated.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by one of the Supervisors for Cluster G, Vinette Palmer, who oversees a total of 69 residents, 43 males and 26 females.

Palmer said, “Out of these 69 residents, I don’t think 20 of them get visitors. This treat gives them a sense of belonging and cause them to remember that there are people out there who care for them. The truth is, we don’t have enough caregivers to give the kind of individual attention they are receiving today from the Food For The Poor team. I see this as part of a healing process for the residents and we are grateful because it also acts as a motivation for those of us who take care of them daily. Food For The Poor is actually filling a gap that we could not fill financially.”

One senior from Cluster D, 65-year-old Joan Byfield, who has been a resident of the Golden Age Home for the past 12 years, was happy to express her gratitude for the Christmas treat.

Byfield said, “I am very much appreciative of this and I always recommend Food For The Poor to people because I have known about the organization for a very long time. It is a good company and I know the other residents are happy for the food, company and gifts… I love you,”

Just last Thursday, December 4, over 2500 needy Jamaicans were treated at Emmet Park by FFP, in partnership with the Salvation Army. Some 800 children from Food For The Poor supported Children’s Homes across the island will also benefit from a Christmas Treat slated to be held at King’s House on December 16.

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For more information, please contact:
Ainsworth Morris, PROComm, Tel: 926-6740 or 3756136

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Food-For-The-Poor-brightens-Golden-Age-Home

http://loopjamaica.com/2014/12/13/latest-jamaica-news-community-food-for-the-poor-brings-christmas-cheer-to-golden-age-residents/

FEEDING THE NEEDY: Marcia Hall-Walker, Social Outreach Manager, Food For The Poor Jamaica, gladly feeds a resident of the Golden Age Home located in Kingston, during the charity organisation’s Christmas Treat at the Home on December 9.

GIFT FOR CAREGIVER: David Mair (right), Executive Director, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, presents a Christmas gift to a caregiver at the Golden Age Home during the charity organisation’s Christmas treat. Also sharing in the moment is Marcia Hall-Walker, Social Outreach Manager, FFP. The treat was held on December 9.

LET ME HELP YOU WITH THAT: Marsha Burrell (left), Marketing and Relief Development Manager, Food For The Poor Jamaica, assists a resident of Cluster D at the Golden Age Home in Kingston during the charity organisation’s Christmas treat on December 9.

DEVOTIONS AT GOLDEN AGE: Staff members and volunteers of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica during a devotional session at they hosted with residents of the Golden Age Home on December 9 during their Christmas treat.

SPREADING THE CHRISTMAS CHEER: Marlon Samuels (right), Director of Construction Services at Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, warmly greets a senior resident of the Golden Age Home in Kingston during the charity organisation’s annual Christmas treat on December 9. Sharing in the moment is Lorene Campbell (left), Customer Service Representative, FFP.