Thousands of children are expected to benefit from expanded back-to-school, feeding and medical support programmes after the Chefette Fun Run presented $140 000 to several charities at the Assad Haloute Complex, Lears, St Michael, on Thursday.
Announcing the donation, Chefette Fun Run organiser Dawn-Lisa Callender-Smith said the funds represented far more than a successful fundraising event, describing them as an investment in children who continue to face growing hardship.
“This year we presented the $140 000,” she announced, adding that the money would be divided among the charities after sponsors had heard “where your money [is] going”.
Callender-Smith stressed that the need for assistance continues to grow, particularly during the summer vacation.
“There are some children in Barbados right now who will not eat today,” she said. “I’m not exaggerating…. It is a simple fact because school is closed.”
Urging corporate Barbados to continue supporting charitable organisations, she said families were already seeking assistance for the new school year.
“Back to school is very difficult this year. Some families have as much as six, seven, eight, nine, ten children, all at school age. They all need uniforms, they all need shoes, they all need books, they all need breakfast and food.”
She also encouraged greater participation from schools in future editions of the annual event, saying she wanted to see “children supporting children” by becoming more involved in the fundraising effort.
Representing the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, project coordinator and administrator Nekei Grant congratulated Chefette on another successful event and said the organisations receiving funding had consistently demonstrated that they could make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
“We have every confidence that the funds… will be put to use bringing hope and opportunity to the children and families they serve,” she said.
The annual event showed “what is possible when a community comes together” and encouraged more public schools to participate next year, Grant added.
“Even if it is that we have to sponsor them, I would love to see more public schools out there.”
She also reminded businesses that support did not always have to be large financial contributions.
“Even if it is a small sponsor, a little goes a long way… there is a need out there that’s greater than any of us can even imagine.”
Among the beneficiaries, Variety – The Children’s Charity of Barbados, said its share of the funding would strengthen programmes that provide school supplies, food assistance and transportation for children with disabilities.
Chief Barker Ryan Jones said volunteering had shown him how many families struggle daily with basic necessities.
“Some people don’t have the opportunity or the luxury to think about all the things they’re grateful for because they’re grinding and trying to survive on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
He explained that the charity’s Sunshine Coach transports children with disabilities, while its Aunty Olga Memorial School Programme helps parents prepare children for the school year.
“I’m extremely grateful… for all of you, the sponsors… who have raised vital funds that myself and other charities need to be able to fulfil our mandate and provide help but also hope.”
The YWCA Barbados said its donation would support the expansion of programmes aimed at addressing food insecurity among schoolchildren.
Newly elected president Onika Crawford revealed that while the organisation currently operates a breakfast programme and reading club, it plans to introduce a supper club once government’s school breakfast programme begins.
“We’re going to be introducing a supper club… so that kids can come and get some help with their homework and have supper before they go home,” she said.
“So many children depend on the school meals… we are more or less putting things in place.”
The Precious Touch Foundation said the funding would help it continue granting wishes for children living with terminal illnesses. Representative Nadean Green said fulfilling even the simplest dream could have a life-changing impact.
“When you see the joy on these kids’ faces when you just grant one wish… you know that you’re in the right place.”
She recalled the excitement of a young boy whose wish for a bicycle was granted after he was unable to travel as he had originally hoped.
“When he saw his new bike, he was so filled with excitement, he danced with joy like if he was at Kiddies Kadooment.”
Green also noted that the charity has expanded beyond Barbados and recently helped an eight-year-old girl from St Kitts realise her dream of becoming a doctor for a day.
At Fishers of Men, founder Sharon Bellamy-Thompson said the funds would allow the charity to prepare more children for the new academic year.
“We will provide essential school uniforms and sturdy footwear. We will pack backpacks with school supplies, textbooks and learning resources.”
“When we invest in a child’s education, we are not just helping them pass an exam. We are empowering them to break cycles, to dream bigger, and to build a stronger Barbados for all of us.”
The Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust also said its allocation would support its back-to-school programme, which has already reached capacity. Public relations officer Billie-June Langdon said almost 700 primary and secondary school students had registered this year.
“Due to the overwhelming demand we have closed off those applications this year,” she said.
The charity will use the funds to provide textbooks, uniforms and assistance with school fees where needed.
Managing director of the Chefette Group of Companies, Ryan Haloute, thanked corporate Barbados, volunteers and organisers for continuing to support the initiative, which has now been running for about 16 years.
“We’re here… to really improve the quality of life for others,” he said. “The need… is much greater than what we can do. So we can never do enough.”
Haloute also announced that preparations have already begun for next year’s event and encouraged Barbadians to mark Sunday, May 16, 2027, the day before Whit Monday, on their calendars. He said organisers intend to begin promotions even earlier to increase participation and generate even greater support for children’s charities across the island.
(LE)
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