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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
NASSAU, Bahamas — When the Children’s Emergency Hostel (CEH) put out a desperate cry earlier this year for assistance to help with operation costs, Swiss America Securities, Ltd jumped to assist. The Bahamas-based online broker-dealer recently presented the emergency children’s home with supplies for the children’s lunches and a donation of $8,000 to help cover utilities and other expenses.
The $8,000 sum was split up to partially cover the Hostel’s electricity and water and sewerage bills with sums also set aside for the home to purchase groceries and food items. Additionally, Swiss America Securities, Ltd. provided 50 cases of bottled water for the children to take to school in their lunch packs.
The donation comes at a critical time for the Hostel. The non-profit organisation, which functions primarily on donations, issued a cry for help in late May stating that the hostel was struggling to provide two meals a day for the children.
Hostel Administrator Marita Ferguson said that the donations would go a long way in helping the hostel back on its feet.
“We are so thankful to Swiss America for this donation. It has been very difficult managing staff salaries, utilities, and costs for the kids and at times we have to make difficult decisions and sacrifices,” she said. “This hostel is a temporary home for up to 30 kids. We are usually full to capacity and often keep kids longer than expected. It adds up. This donation gives us breathing room and we commend Swiss America for stepping up and we hope that other members of corporate Bahamas will follow suit. Every bit helps.”
Swiss America Securities, Ltd. is no stranger to the Children’s Emergency Hostel, having organised a toy drive for the home in Christmas 2015. Deputy Director of Operations Justin Ritchie said the company and its staff felt compelled to assist the home upon hearing of its plight.
“At Swiss America Securities, Ltd. we strive to be good corporate citizens and one of our major focuses is children and youth development,” said Mr. Ritchie. “In the past year we have done a Thanksgiving giveaway with Bilney Lane, projects with COB’s Rotaract, and our Christmas toy drive with the Children’s Emergency Hostel. Internally, we are committed to the development of our staff, most of whom are Bahamians under the age of 30, through sponsored academic and professional programs. Youth development is a significant theme at Swiss America Securities.”
He continued, “When we saw what the Hostel was enduring, that they needed financial help, it hit very close to home. This is an organisation we have a relationship with, many of these kids our staff members have worked with before. We knew we had to find a way to assist so we chose donations that met specific needs of the Hostel, for the greatest impact. The youth are our future, by investing in them we invest in our country. We hope our corporate peers will take note and join us in assisting the Hostel in any way they can.”
The Bahamas Emergency Hostel will host its annual steak out on August 6 th on the Hostel’s grounds to assist with ongoing expenses. This year, the board hopes to raise $20,000 at the event. Persons or businesses seeking to assist the Children’s Emergency Hostel can contact the office at 242-361- 4124.
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