Linden organisations team up to spread holiday cheer

By Utamu Belle

The Christmas holiday season is known as a time for spreading the gift of love, joy and good cheer; where individuals, associations and organisations show appreciation to those in need in various unique ways. 
It is no different in the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community of Linden, where members of the community are busy planning “give-back” initiatives, which are aimed at putting smiles on the faces of those who may have suffered social and economic challenges over the past year. The circumstances are somewhat different and even more challenging this year.
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, as with other parts of the country and the rest of the world, some persons in the community have lost their jobs, while others are experiencing a decline in income. Families are grappling with the effect of challenges as well as the psychological effects of social changes.
It is in this light that the Linden-based non-profit, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Lester Glen & Friends is collaborating with the Linden Mayor & Town Council (LM&TC) to distribute hundreds of gifts and vouchers to families and people in need.
The initiative is one of the largest to be hosted in the community in recent years. Founder of the NGO, Lester Glen told the Sunday Times Magazine that it could not have been made possible without the collaborative spirit of members of the community. It is in a similar fashion that the organisation has been actively involved in such initiatives as well as the organising of activities aimed at promoting positive social community changes.
“My intention was to distribute these gifts on Christmas morning, but the task would have been too big…We are catering for about 500 children and 50 hampers along with clothing. All of this, of course, comes with the compliments of friends and sponsors,” Glen related.
“Christmas is a time for giving, love and unity amongst families and kids,” he continued.
Glen said owing to the current situation, some businesses and organisations were unable to give as much support as in times past.
“The community was not so responsive because so many doing the same thing. But I have my true ‘diehard’ supporters. Setbacks yes, because financially persons are not capable to assist as they would have in the past,” he said.
“Nevertheless, he shared his hopes that such initiatives can be developed to provide more meaningful support to those in need in years to come.
“My intention is to collaborate with others yearly for Christmas. Unity, with the rightful people, is strength and only then you can accomplish once there is one aim,” Glen said.
Presently, the organisation is working on establishing a mini shelter which will cater for persons in the community who are experiencing social and economic challenges.
“Lester Glen & Friends would like to say thank you to everyone who would have assisted through the year 2020. It has been a very challenging year for us. Even in the pandemic, we are trusting God to finish building our two-bedroom self-contained rooms and an office to distribute foodstuff and clothing, because the statistics shows abuse among women is still on the rise. This is why we will be catering for them – a temporary shelter,” the founder of the NGO explained.
He said persons who are interested in showing support can contact the organisation at any time on telephone number 664-7220 or email at [email protected].
Meanwhile, Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell is ecstatic about the planned activities which will include a virtual Christmas tree lighting exercise. She said even seniors are set to benefit from the holiday activities this year.
“As you know, Christmas is our favourite time of year…We are going to have our annual Christmas tree light up…This year we’re also hoping to give out 100 food hampers – 50 to senior citizens within the township and the other 50 to families in need,” the Mayor said.
She also pointed to the notable increase in the number of gifts this year, explaining that last year, gifts were given to 300 children.
“We are grateful to those companies and those businesses that have come on board and are already assisting us with gifts and hampers,” the Mayor said.