Earlier this month the Community Services Unit within the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, together with the Anse la Raye Parents in Action Group, marked International Charity Day with a donation and day of service at the Trinity Home for the Elderly. 

The initiative encompassed grooming, games, shared meals, and companionship, uplifting residents with dignity, joy, and inclusion. 

Speaking on the initiative, Lyncia Antoine, Social Transformation Officer for Anse la Raye and Canaries, emphasized the importance of giving back.

“Today, in recognition of International Charity Day, we partnered with the Anse la Raye Parents in Action group and other volunteers from the community to visit the Anse la Raye Elderly Home. Together, we gave back by supporting the nuns in caring for the older persons residing there. As the Social Transformation Officer for the region, I believe this type of activity aligns perfectly with our mission. Our focus is on community building, fostering development, and caring for the sick, the vulnerable, the shut-in, and the destitute within our communities,” noted Antoine. 

For the staff of Trinity Home, the experience was profoundly touching. Sister Rosemary, who leads the home, reflected on the joy the initiative brought to its residents.

“It was really very good. At first, when I saw them, I wondered, what are they going to do? But then I watched the steps they took where they assisted the women, went to the men, bathed the residents, cleaned, cooked, and even brought everyone together under the shed. They styled the women’s hair, applied a little makeup, and you could see how happy it made them feel. They even brought the residents outside to play games, and it was such a joy to watch. The timing of the activity was excellent, and I truly loved it. The residents were happy, and that touched me deeply. As I spoke with them, I shared that I believe this should happen more often. I wish they could do it every month." 

The impact was perhaps felt most by the elderly themselves. One resident expressed heartfelt appreciation for the experience.

“I feel so happy whenever I get to go outside, because every day we usually stay indoors with no visitors and no one to take us out. But today, I got that chance, and it made me feel overjoyed, like a weight was lifted off me.” 

The Ministry of Equity reaffirmed that initiatives like these are not just about symbolic gestures but about strengthening social cohesion, restoring dignity, and inspiring a culture of compassion across communities.