United Way Trinidad and Tobago continues to make its mark in communities across the country through its annual National Day of Caring.
Despite the weather conditions on Sunday, the organization pushed ahead with one of its projects at the San Juan Boys and Girls R.C. School.
Volunteers gathered at the San Juan Boys and Girls R.C. Schools for what has become a staple on the local volunteer calendar — the National Day of Caring. From painting and gardening to much-needed refurbishments, United Way’s National Day of Caring initiatives continue to leave a lasting impact
Chairman of United Way of Trinidad and Tobago, Ian Benjamin shared the team’s plans for the school.
“So, in spite of the adverse weather alert, today is our National Day of Caring and because we’re going to be doing an outdoor project which is going to be a garden rehabilitation project we have decided that we’re not going to let the weather or the rain out us off we’re proceeding and we’re going to rehabilitate a front garden for the school.”
Acting Principal of the San Juan Boys RC School, Dianne Boodoo expressed gratitude to the organisation for choosing the schools.
“It’s the first time we’ve been selected, we applied last year and we are so happy that we have them here today the boys are going to be so happy and so thrilled when they come out tomorrow please God and see the grow box up and the plants there.”
Mr. Benjamin said the initiative continues to thrive after 15 years of service, driven by a deep sense of community, volunteerism, and a desire to uplift vulnerable spaces.
“One is there’s a need. You know, there are always schools or children’s homes or other community centers that require some uplift, some upgrade. That’s one. Secondly, we really like encouraging, facilitating, and building up volunteerism and it’s a real opportunity for people to come out and show that they care and to give back. And third, we get a chance to build community.”
While rain forced the postponement of some activities, He said the spirit of giving continues, no matter the delay.
“Although this is National Day of Caring, conceptually, we’ve always thought of it as National Time of Caring. So the fact that a project will take place in two or three weeks time, it’s not a bad thing. It’s a good thing.”
The National Day of Caring now spans both Trinidad and Tobago, growing from just a handful of projects to dozens islandwide — a fact the United Way Chairman said is a sign of national unity and commitment.
The United Way team was joined by their project partners Guardian Group & Bethany Chambers at the San Juan Boys and Girls RC Schools.