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History of Charity Works Tony & I have been going to Hedonism II, Negril, Jamaica since 1985. The resort and the staff at Hedonism II have become a second family and home. So it was easy when Alex Thompson, who was the General Managers assistant, told us about how the staff at Hedonism II were building a basic school in Orange Bay. She gave us a history story of the Jamaican school system. She told us how few basic schools there were in the parishes. She explained how the young children of Jamaica had to walk many miles, rain or shine, to go to school. She told us many things that we took for granted. It was from that moment on, Tony & I decided to help in whatever way we could. The first basic school we helped was Orange Bay Basic School. We accompanied Alex and watched the school being built from the ground up, the cement foundation, the walls, and so forth. We then helped furnish the school with books, writing materials, etc. We purchased a refrigerator for the school. Another couple from Milwaukee purchased and delivered a television set. We took such pride in watching the “little school” be built from the ground up. We knew where our “charity dollar” was going. Today the basic school is also used as a community center for the whole parish. Orange Bay Basic School was the beginning for Tony & I. Cheryl Moore, the Entertainment Manager, introduced us to the boy’s orphanage in Manderville, Jamaica. She had “financially adopted” twin boys who lived at the orphanage. She said St. John Bosco’s needed as much help as it could get. Cheryl explained that there were about 150 orphanages on the island of Jamaica and all were extremely poor. She was going to “visit” her boys and she invited us to join her. And we did! It was a wonderful, heart-warming experience to deliver the boys new T-shirts, books, writing utensils, etc. There were 157 boys. They have NEVER had a brand new T-shirt of their own. Sister Susan had performed a miracle in turning the orphanage into a “piggery”, meat market, restaurant, etc. She still depends on the generosity of others, but the orphanage helps to sustain itself. Her story was on 60 minutes. We were very proud to have helped. Since that beginning in 1985, we have helped two more basic schools; one being San Toy and Revival. It is wonderful to bring candy and balloons beside books, writing materials, etc. and see the smiles on these beautiful children’s faces. The children no longer have to draw pictures on torn up pieces of cardboard. We have helped provide crayons and coloring books and smiles. Yahoo! Tony & I have also become a sponsor of “The Rising Hope Foundation” which was created by Dr. Robert & Donna DeMercado AKA “The Jamaican Elvis, MD.” Dr. Bob is a licensed physician in Canada. When he came back to his home in Kingston, Jamaica, he saw a need at the children’s hospital and he found a way to have fun and fulfill that need. Today he performs as “the Jamaican Elvis” at the resorts all over the island of Jamaica. Their foundation has helped support the children’s hospital. The first two successful open-heart surgeries were performed last year. Two Jamaican children will live with new hearts thanks to “Elvis” and our Celebration of Body Art family. |
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