Two lucky bidders walked away with prizes when the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) hosted its Annual Luncheon and Dutch Auction on Sunday at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.
The luncheon was well attended by members of the private sector, and among
A second lucky bidder receiving a lamp
other distinguished figures were former Prime Minister and former President, Samuel Hinds.
Chairperson of GRC, Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, at the ‘meet and greet’ event, extended sincere appreciation to supporting personnel and organisations whose works have positively impacted on the lives of the less fortunate in society.
Mrs. Hinds related that the twenty-two-year-old non-profit organisation has been active in rendering much needed assistance to all ten administrative regions of Guyana, and is disposed to assisting those affected by disasters of all kinds, regardless of race, class, religious or political affiliation – those aspects which should not be distinguishing factors.
Notwithstanding its good intentions, GRC has been faced with financial difficulties over the past few years, which caused the hinterland outreach programme to be halted recently. This development would
Chairperson of Guyana Relief Council, Yvonne Hinds, hands over the Nigerian artifact to the winning bidder
have had a detrimental effect on the remote communities dubbed “the poorest of the poor”, by the Chairman.
Mrs Hinds further bemoaned the refusal of the Government to grant a duty-free concession to assist the purchase of a suitable vehicle to facilitate the resumption of hinterland outreaches, which have in the past years tremendously impacted the development and maintenance of schools, health centres, and communities as a whole.
“It seems as though everyone we ask is suffering from donor ‘fatigue’. In some cases one can detect the will, but without the ‘wherewithal’. However, even though the assistance we provide may be limited, I can assure you that no one who seeks our services leaves empty handed…,” she said.
Notwithstanding its financial constraints, GRC stands by its motto of caring and
Guests at the Guyana Relief Council’s Annual Luncheon, held in the Savannah Suites of the Pegasus Hotel
sharing in assisting the less fortunate. What’s more, the gathering heard that the seventeen-year-old “The Yvonne Hinds Home of Hope” which was in dire need of refurbishment for some time has been closed for refurbishment and maintenance, thanks to financial assistance of various supporting organisations.
In conclusion, the Chairman spoke on the commitment of GRC, assuring that all who call upon the services of the organization will be treated with dignity.
“Our work at the GRC is a labour of love for the people of Guyana, and on behalf of the Guyanese diaspora who are not here to personally give a hand to their loved ones…,” were the reassuring closing words of Mrs Hinds.
Guest speaker at the proceedings, Deputy Chairman of the Guyana Oil Company Ltd and former General Manager of Laparkan, Oscar Phillips, shared a few inspirational words on “voluntarism,” during which he recognised and applauded the invaluable contributions of GRC to the Guyanese community over the years.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” he said to the thunderous applause of patrons.
Following the highlight of the event, a delectable lunch, excitement buzzed as the floor was opened for the bidding segment.
The bid for an electric lamp was opened at $1000, and sold to a gentleman for $54,000. More interesting was the battle for a Nigerian antique piece between two particularly adamant gentlemen, snatched by one after the other gave up on the seemingly endless bid at $96,000.
Moreover, GRC presented hampers and plaques to several loyal supporters of the organization as a means of showing their appreciation for such dedication.
