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.

Outreach Turks and Caicos members Stephanie Duncanson, Angelia ‘Neene’ Tucker, Kinkey, owner of J and B restaurant, and Thelma Pratt

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 O’Sullivan, Yvette Marcelin, Olincia Missick, Hartlyn Forbes, Turkesia Rolle, Hazel Greenwood, Owenta Colby and Edith Cox.”

Another member of the organisation Thelma Pratt, who was actively involved in the campaign, said serving people gives her “deep satisfaction and joy”.

Being a part of Outreach TCI has given me the opportunity to be a part of an initiative to provide food for persons experiencing hard times due to the current economic crisis that so many of our people are facing.”

She said it was “a chance to meet one-on-one with persons to share their experiences and offer words of encouragement”.

The organisation’s aim is not only to give meals but to have initiatives that will teach people a useful skill that can be more beneficial in the long run.

Last year the non-profit organisation provided 300 lunches and care packages for students of various primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Outreach Turks and Caicos was established in 2015 by a group of civic minded residents who aim to establish the first home for the aged and homeless living in the TCI.