St Lucy Primary spreads cheer to the Cancer Society

By Anesta Henry

The St Lucy Primary School has spread Christmas cheer to the Barbados Cancer Society (BCS) through the donation of canned food and other supplies.

On Thursday, after participating in a special Christmas morning assembly, the students and staff handed over the items to the BCS’ administrative director Sonia O’Neal.

She expressed gratitude to the school for the gifts and commended the students for demonstrating care and concern for others. 

O’Neal explained to the youngsters that the non-profit organisation assists people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to work due to the side effects of the treatment they may be receiving.

“The Barbados Cancer Society assists by giving them groceries, helping them with their medication, assisting them with the diagnostic tests when they cannot pay for these items. And we thank you so much for being part of this awareness campaign, for caring for others. 

“We do hope that you will carry this caring gesture throughout the community and try to encourage those other persons who are not here this morning to continue to assist those who need our support and who need our assistance. Thank you so much for this gesture,” O’Neal said.

St Lucy Primary School Head Girl Taneisha Brome (right) and the school’s Language Arts Co-ordinator Jason White (centre) presenting Administrative Director at the Barbados Cancer Society with a basket of food supplies.

The school’s Language Arts Co-ordinator, Jason White, who organised the canned food drive said he started the initiative following the death of one of his students who had cancer.

White said while he recognised the help the student’s parents received from the Cancer Society, he made it his duty to find a way to give back to the charitable organisation which has touched the lives of many Barbadians.

“I knew it was an organisation that would do well to assist persons that have cancer and that is why I started the drive. We collected about six boxes, plus a basket. I think for a small school we did very well and I am happy with the support that I got from the teachers, the students and even persons in the neighbourhood,” White said.

The teacher indicated that while children must be encouraged to care for and be kind to others, they should also be taught that school was not only about mathematics and grammar.

“They need to know that in our small way, we can help others. And I think in these times that is a very important skill to have children develop; looking out for [your] fellow man is important. After understanding what the drive was all about, then they began to bring in the cans and they were all excited about the initiative. 

“And some of them are even asking what we are going to do next. So, I am happy that I have whet the appetites of those students. They want to give back to the community and that is what life is all about, helping other human beings,” White said, noting that a decision regarding the next give-back programme is yet to be made. 

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb