18 NEWS
June 13-19, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Barbara Gardiner delivers a food package to Mary Handfield on her 94th birthday
Some residents were given gift cards to buy groceries at Graceway supermarkets
Outreach Turks and Caicos donates food to residents in need BY OLIVIA ROSE LOCAL charity Outreach Turks and Caicos has delivered much-needed food vouchers, groceries and breakfasts to people across the territory as part of its Covid-19 food campaign. The organisation, which was established to create a home for the aged and homeless, generously put some of its funds towards a more immediate cause over the past few weeks. Founder of the organisation Stephanie Duncanson told the Weekly News that she hoped the donation would help fight the increase in food insecurity brought on by the pandemic. “It is during times like these that we need to work together and support each other, so we decided to feed some people
during this crisis,” she said. Before carrying out the drive, the charity reached out to the Social Welfare Department for a list of the most vulnerable residents across the TCI. “We are aiming to feed approximately 100 people, the majority of them being from communities in Providenciales,” Duncanson said. Members and volunteers have already delivered bags of groceries and hot breakfasts to a number of vulnerable people in Five Cays. They also gave some Providenciales residents IGA food vouchers worth up to $75 while others, including residents in North Caicos and Grand Turk, received food boxes. The boxes include staple food items such as milk, fruits, pasta, tea, chicken,
sugar, cooking oil, tuna and water, to name a few. The charity founder said those who are receiving assistance from the organisation are experiencing a difficult time due to the pandemic which put many people out of work. “One of our members, Hazel Greenwood, suggested that we spend the money we have in our account, and we can always get it back,” she told the Weekly News. “Many of us gave from our own pockets to see the initiative through, and we trust that our small gesture will make a difference in the lives of those affected.” The organisation will continue to feed the needy and plans are in place to start distributing seeds and soil to the public as part of a backyard garden initiative.
“We would like to do this with the help of a nursery, this will help people to grow their own food,” Duncanson said. She appealed to the public to give any amount they can afford to help those in need during this time by sending cash to the Outreach Turks and Caicos bank account: 10557291 - FCIB. Several volunteers gave up their time to assist in the outreach exercise. “On behalf of Outreach Turks and Caicos, thank you to Nay Robinson and Edith Cox they have been of tremendous help in both Middle and North Caicos. “We’re especially grateful to Digicel for donating $500, and trust that companies will continue to give to our cause not just with Covid-19 but continuously. “Thank you to our members, Dr Dawn
