Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writer

Constance Williams, head of the Accounts Department at Madden's Funeral Supplies on North Street, Kingston, hands out 'dole' to senior citizen Ida Josephs. Ms. Josephs was among the many beneficiaries who received the weekly allowance yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

When more than 40 elderly citizens converged on Madden's Funeral Supplies at North Street, central Kingston yesterday, the occasion was neither to mourn a loss nor to face the trauma of identifying a deceased relative.

In fact, the crowd represented the continuation of the company's 'Poor Dole' tradition.

This is an initiative through which indigent citizens, registered with the Poor Relief Department, receive food supplies, funds and other necessities.

Operations Manager Paul Madden, who was surprised by The Gleaner's visit, modestly explained that the congregation was a weekly occurrence.

"Every Friday, persons from the vicinity who are registered with the Poor Relief Department gather here to collect their dole (monetary allowance)," he explained. "It is not a new move by any means; it is just the continuation of my grandparents' initiative, dating back to over 50 years ago."

Paul's older brother and the organisation's chief executive officer, Ferdinand Madden, soon emerged from the building and, after making his way through scores of hugs, kisses and countless gestures of appreciation from the elderly citizens, explained the dole is far more extravagant in the holiday seasons of Easter and Christmas when beneficiaries receive gift baskets and the well-known Easter delight, bun and cheese.

All smiles

Ida Josephs, who was among the many beneficiaries present, was all smiles as she praised the long-standing endeavour.

"Bwoy, it is very good! Excellent! I have no complaints whatsoever about the programme," she said. "Mi get a money and not to mention Christmas time when we get things like Milo, milk, rice, corned beef ... I am just so very grateful," she said.

Although some are blind, otherwise disabled or just coping with the frailties of ageing, all were in one happy accord when the news team left the scene. Not very often do we get to see a funeral home bring smiles to faces; it was a moment that had to be captured.