IN 2003, an old woman walked up to young Courtney Foster's home, begging for old newspapers to 'catch her coal stove'.The old woman had said whenever it rained she could not cook because the single room she lived in with her sick husband was too small.
The then 17-year-old Courtney took it upon herself to write to Dennis Harris, deputy managing director of Courts, who responded favourably and donated a four-burner gas stove to the old couple. Moreover, she has since then been contributing $500 each week towards the
couple's welfare.
Generous exploits like these have made this trained model and University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona law student, now 19, a source of salvation for many in need.
GLEANER HONOUR AWARD
Small wonder then that she was the youngest ever recipient of the Gleaner Honour Award for Voluntary Service, in 2001. And, she said, "I believe that we are responsible for our neighbours and not just ourselves. I do these things because of the satisfaction that it gives me, being in a position to help someone else."
Her charitable efforts began as a four-year-old when she read in the THE STAR about a little boy who had cancer of the eyes, but his parents could not afford surgery. She took an exercise book in which she registered financial donations she requested from family members, neighbours and her friends. It was not enough, so with her mother's permission she drew funds from her personal account, purchased a manager's cheque and gave the cheque to THE STAR to help the little boy.
Her most recent altruistic endeavour was on November 27, when she hosted the 'Kids for Charity Fashion Show' at the Hilton Kingston hotel. Proceeds from the event went to UWI medical student, Sherrydene Barrett, to assist with school expenses.
The $200,000 contribution will help ensure Sherrydene will be the first of her family to attend and graduate from university.
Joseph Cunningham
