FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2020: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO- The Digicel Foundation’s “Better Together Christmas” initiative will ensure that four community groups start the New Year with project funding to help their communities have a prosperous and bright 2021.
From November 30th, 2020 to December 14th, 2020, the Foundation called on all registered not-for-profit organisations to submit an initiative that will make a difference in the lives of the people from their communities. Digicel Foundation considered these $50,000 awards especially important, given the major challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Eighty-six applications were received, reflecting the vast scope of the good works being done by not-for profit organisations across Trinidad and Tobago. After a rigorous vetting by the evaluation committee, four community groups were selected to receive $50,000 each to implement their projects. These are the Court Shamrock Centre for the Socially Displaced; Is There Not a Cause; the Lopinot Tourist Association; and the Rotary Club of Maracas, St. Joseph.
Court Shamrock Centre for the Socially Displaced will use their $50,000 to make a much-needed upgrade of their night shelter for homeless men in San Fernando.
The Rotary Club of Maracas St. Joseph will upgrade the popular picnic/meeting area at the Maracas Waterfall in Maracas, St. Joseph, hence facilitating visitor activities in the rural community.
In similar fashion, the Lopinot Tourism Association will be spending their cheque on upgrades of the community centre/tourist visitor reception area, purchase of equipment and parang instruments, all of which will enhance the experience of visitors and position Lopinot as a Parang epicentre.
And Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC) will be renovating their transition home for families and individuals to make their stay more comfortable.
Congratulating the awardees, Sacha Thompson, Acting Chairman of the Digicel Foundation, said, “We recognize the work all of you are doing in your communities, to help, empower and transform the lives of the persons you work with. We applaud you for your effort and persistence in ensuring that no one gets left behind.”
The announcement of winners was held virtually on Friday 18th December 2020 at 10am.