January 6^th, 2018, Kent House, Maraval – On Sunday 14^th January, 2018 the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government in collaboration with the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC), the San Fernando Centre for Displaced Persons (SFCDP), San Fernando Volunteer Network (SFVN), Members of the Business Community, Corporate volunteers and NGO groups across Trinidad will be embarking on a community outreach event entitled, “Sharing a meal with the Homeless”.

As we commence the New Year with renewed hope and continued service to the people, Minister Haji Kazim Hosein encourages citizens to continue to showcase the spirit of volunteerism in their everyday activities saying, “Service to Mankind is Service to God; it is always heart-warming to see persons, especially the youth giving back to the elderly, homeless and persons who are less fortunate in our society. I encourage religious organisations, corporate volunteers and the younger generation to continue giving selflessly through the spirit of volunteerism as we work together to make a better country for all our citizens”. This initiative is one of the many collaborations that the Ministry is embarking on as we aim to empower the young people to adopt a compassionate approach to the less fortunate in society.

Thus far, we have received overwhelming support from the ASH-NAD foundation, Revival of the Ummah, Dumore Enterprises, JohnCorp, the San Fernando Volunteer Network (SFVN), San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC), Kiss Baking Company, SM Jaleel, Unilever, Puff n’ Stuff, Nichossa, Naisa Foods as well as numerous citizens across the country.

Basic medical check-ups, barbering services, care packages, a hot bath in addition to sharing brunch with the homeless persons in San Fernando and environs are just some of the activities that we have planned for the ‘Day of Care’ on Sunday 14^th January at the San Fernando Centre for Displaced Persons (SFCDP) on Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando from 9:00am – 12:00pm..

As we aim to make this initiative a continuous one; we are calling on all NGOs, CBOs, corporate volunteers, religious organisations and volunteer groups to show their support in this venture by volunteering to share a meal with the homeless in your region during this New Year.

For more information on how you can assist in this event, feel free to contact the National Volunteer Network Coordinator, Mr. Matthew Kailah at 314-6481 or Ms. Leah Balkaran at 622-1669 (Ext. 3112).