THE JAMAICA AIDS Support (JAS) hopes to put broad smiles on the faces of orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS this Christmas through Project Smiles.
Project Smiles was officially launched yesterday at the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church and is a joint project of the Centre for HIV/AIDS Research and Educational Services (CHARES). Project Smiles is a charity drive through which the Jamaica AIDS Support hopes to collect desperately needed items for children affected by or infected by HIV/AIDS.
The organisation also hopes to raise money for its Orphans and Children made Vulnerable Fund. Nurse Daunette Wellington, of the Jamaica AIDS Support, told The Gleaner that for this Christmas season, they are hoping to reach 1,000 children in the most desperate or emergency situations. Money contributed will be allocated to things like medication, shelter and food.
The Gleaner is among the major sponsors of Project Smiles.
PLEAS FOR SUPPORT
Speaking at the launch, co-ordinator of Support Services at JAS Montego Bay, Donna Marie Hamilton-Ross, tearfully pleaded for support. "Christmas 2003 must not be a lonely and empty time for our children. They must be treated like regular children, experiencing the joy and excitement of this special season instead of feeling different or less than," she said.
She introduced one little boy who she and her staff found on Wednesday caring for his mother. The child was not more than seven years old, but he nonetheless was the main caregiver of his parent who had reached AIDS stage and could not care for herself. The drive, she said, was for children like the little boy.
"Our dream is to go visiting the homes as we usually do, but this time with gifts that will place a smile on the faces of our young ones. Your contribution will bring a sense of relief to many parents who cannot work and who cannot afford to buy a gift for their child," she said.
Patron of Project Smiles and Miss Jamaica Universe, Michelle Lecky, in declaring the launch of the project, said she felt "privileged to have been allowed into the lives of these children and numerous other persons affected by or living with HIV/AIDS".
Ms. Lecky adds however that she was sad because "not enough has been done or is being done for these children who are the future of our society."
"This is your chance to get involved and make a contribution... We cannot turn a blind eye to this situation. Let us join forces to help JAS in their programming for children," Ms. Lecky said.
CORPORATE BODIES
A number of other corporate bodies have also put their support behind Project Smiles, including Beaches Boscobel, TVJ and International Insurance Brokers.
Persons wishing to make donations to Project Smiles can do so at any NCB branch to account number 35-1011947, or may drop off non-perishable food items, school supplies, children's medications, medical supplies and toys to the following locations:
Kingston: The Gleaner, TVJ, Stella Maris Church, International Insurance Brokers on Harbour Street and the Jamaica AIDS Support;
Ocho Rios, St. Ann: Beaches Boscobel, St. Ann's Bay Hospital and Jamaica AIDS Support;
Montego Bay, St. James: La Mirage Hotel.
