By: Orville Tomlinson, 2013 Summer Work Travel Participant and Greenheart Club member
Orville was one of four Greenheart Club members who received a $500 grant to complete a Greenheart project in his home country. Orville was eligible to receive the grant because he volunteered 40 hours for the Greenheart Club during his Summer Work Travel Program this past summer at a local library. Orville’s grant application was selected because he chose to help an organization that is doing a lot of good in Jamaica. Below Orville describes his Greenheart Club grant project.
On November 9th and December 23rd, 2013 I visited two children homes; One in Kingston, Jamaica and the other in my home parish of St. Elizabeth. As money was make available to me as a result of volunteering in the United States with the Greenheart Club, I had the opportunity of giving it all to a charity of my choice. At that time I did not have a favourite, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of the process of how the money would be spent.
I have seen children around the world deprived of the basic necessities of life. They are often treated as outcasts, and neglected by parents and families, especially boys. I have seen the need to reassure them that someone really cares for them and wants to make a difference in their lives.
In recognizing the need of these children, I formed a small charity foundation called Angels Touch Outreach. With the money that I was rewarded through the Greenheart Club Grant, I was able to donate to these improvised children.
First, a team from my University Rotaract Club (I am President) provided their time to assist me in making the day a success at Walker’s Place of Safety.
Here are pictures showing Walker’s Place of Safety located in Kingston, Jamaica which houses boys and girls ages two to sixteen.
The children at Walker’s Place of Safety were given forty two pairs of slippers, soaps, deodorants, and treated to ice cream. It was all happy moments for them as they all appreciated the small presents made to them.
Here I am making sure the shoes are the correct fit, assisted by a member from University Rotaract Club.
The children at Walker’s Place of Safety were given forty two pairs of slippers, soaps, deodorants, and treated to ice cream. It was all happy moments for them as they all appreciated the small presents made to them.
At the next home for children – Manning Child Care Facility – the facility solely houses boys are aged eleven to eighteen in my parish of St. Elizabeth. The boys are housed for many different reasons and as a result photos are not allowed to be taken of their faces as they are protected by the State.
They were presented with soccer balls, tennis balls, soaps, deodorants, toiletries, pencils, and dominoes.
In these photos, I am making an official presentation of some soccer balls to Mr. Rattigan (facility manager). Then I sign the contribution that Angels Touch Outreach has made to Manning Boys Home.
Through all the great work that Angles Touch Outreach has done with the Rotaract Club and Greenheart Club, I have been forced to reflect on these children’s well being. It felt good showing them that they are appreciated and are a valued part of society.
