By Saschelle McDonald, Gleaner Writer"TO SERVE is something rewarding. It is a sacrifice, it is selflessness, and it is a commitment to others." These were the words of Howard Aris, patron of the Dr Norman Sinclair Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund, as he lauded Courtney Foster for her charitable efforts and urged fellow Jamaicans to do all they can to help each other.
Mr. Aris was speaking at the 2003 official launch of the scholarship fund by the Kids for Charity Foundation, yesterday, at the Terra Nova Hotel, Waterloo Road, Kingston.
Courtney Foster, a 16-year-old student of Campion College, started her career of charity at the early age of two years. Since then, she has earned a name as a young philanthropist. In 1994, she founded the Kids for Charity Organisation, and through this medium, she has raised over $1.5 million in aid of less fortunate children.
Her work hasn't gone unnoticed, and over the years, she has been the recipient of many awards, including the 2001 Gleaner Honour Award for Voluntary Service. She was the first youngster to receive this award.
Kenneth Shaw, CEO, KACS Auto Sales and Service, in his praise of Courtney's work, commented that it is "rare to find a young person so giving of herself, her time and her love. She should be emulated." He presented a contribution of $25,000 to the Fund at the ceremony.
The Dr Norman Sinclair Memorial Medical Scholarship was inaugurated in 1997 by Courtney Foster in honour of her Uncle, Dr. Sinclair, who died of leukaemia in 1996. The Scholarship is valued at $150,000, and is awarded to needy first-year medical students attending the University of the West Indies (UWI), Dr. Sinclair's alma mater.
