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February 19, 2021

THE United Kingdom (UK)-based Barbados Cultural Organisation (BCO) is again lending its assistance to local charities across the island.

The 20-year-old organisation recently presented five recipients, the St Peter’s Parish Church, Milton Lynch Primary School, Fishers of Men Charity, Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness and the Nature Fun Ranch, with much needed monetary donations and supplies, including educational tablets, to the tune of just over £24 000.

Cedric Lynch, Chairman of the BCO noted that the latest donation was a continuation of the organisation’s charitable work over the years. He said, “The aim of the members of BCO is to give back to the land of our birth.

“To date, we have contributed over £100 000 to various charities, schools, individuals and associations in Barbados, ranging from medical and computer equipment to food hampers, support for touring Barbados National Teams, coverage of medical bills for visiting Barbadians to the UK and tuition fees for Barbadian students in the UK.

“With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding it, we decided to focus our efforts this time on providing recipients with contributions which will assist them in the fight against this disease.”

Lynch explained that the BCO was formed in 2000 by a select group of staff members of the Barbados High Commission and the former Barbados Tourism Authority in London and later spread its wings to include the local Barbadian diaspora, with the aim of hosting annual events to highlight Barbados’ vibrant culture in London.

Proceeds from these events were used to make donations and to assist charities and those in dire need in Barbados, including the Child Care Board, St Stephen’s and St Cyprian’s Schools, Diabetic Association, Make A Wish Foundation, YWCA Breakfast Club and Nature’s Fun Ranch.

During the presentation, Kemar Saffrey, president of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness, thanked the BCO for the donation. He said: “We really appreciate this contribution especially at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic when our work is much more intense.

A lot more is required of us as it relates to feeding, sheltering and taking care of the homeless and all of their needs and making sure that they too can be safe in this pandemic.

“The funds donated will go towards various aspects of the organisation to make sure that those that are on the street are safe and benefit from the shelter and the services that we provide.

“On behalf of my Board, staff and the homeless community I really want to thank the BCO and its Board for this kind contribution.”

Tyrone Marshall of Milton Lynch Primary also expressed gratitude on behalf of his school. “When we consider the many troubles in this world and all that is going on today, groups such as the BCO are like an oasis in a desert.

You remind us that there is still some good in this world and we really must say thank you for your efforts.

“Be assured that the school is better served for connecting with you and, on behalf of the Milton Lynch primary school, I am happy to receive these tokens on behalf of the children and parents of the school, especially during these times.”

https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/02/19/five-charities-get-help-from-uk-based-organisation/