Pictured: (From left) Rev Dan Leary, Joy Dufour, Canon Dr. Kortright Davis, Audrey Marks, Archbishop Emiritus Charles Dufour, Sonia Ward, and Ambassador Curtis Ward at Partners of Good Shepherd Jamaica (POGS) Sixth Annual Fundraising on Saturday, May 5 in Silver Spring
Over 300 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica came out to support Partners of Good Shepherd Jamaica (POGS) Sixth Annual Fundraising on Saturday, May 5 in Silver Spring, Maryland.
In its first five years of existence, POGS has become one the Jamaican Diaspora's leading charitable organisations. During its short period of existence, POGS has contributed over US$55,000.00 (approx. J$7 million) in cash to charitable organisations serving the marginalized and undeserved in Jamaica.
In thanking the patrons at the annual fundraiser, Joy Dufour, POGS founder and president, informed them that their support has made it possible for the organisation to provide financial assistance to "Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) in serving the most vulnerable groups in Jamaican society."
In its first five years of existence, POGS has become one the Jamaican Diaspora's leading charitable organisations. During its short period of existence, POGS has contributed over US$55,000.00 (approx. J$7 million) in cash to charitable organisations serving the marginalized and undeserved in Jamaica.
In thanking the patrons at the annual fundraiser, Joy Dufour, POGS founder and president, informed them that their support has made it possible for the organisation to provide financial assistance to "Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) in serving the most vulnerable groups in Jamaican society."
She noted further, that "the residents of MSC are abandoned children and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities."
Dufour informed the gathering that POGS financial support provides assistance to students attending tertiary institutions in Jamaica, and provided financial support to the Good Shepherd Medical Centre building fund in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The Medical Centre will officially open on June 6, 2018.
The Most Rev. Charles Dufour, archbishop emeritus of Kingston, and founder of Good Shepherd Foundation (GSF), provided an update of the work of GSF and the Organization's gratitude for POGS's support.
"Today as we gather in God's name to help the least of our brothers and sisters, we can truly be grateful for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of God to those in need.
Archbishop Dufour highlighted the importance of POGS' contributions to GSF "striving to make a difference in health and education in Jamaica."
In thanking the Jamaican Diaspora community, he said, "Every day, people are struggling to raise themselves out of poverty and hopelessness, and by your generosity you are reaching out your hand to them and inspiring them with hope for the future."The Archbishop also said, "…hope may be the greatest gift that you give."
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Curtis Ward, a POGS Board member, noted that, in just five years, POGS has emerged as one of the leading Jamaican Diaspora charitable organisations. He told the gathering that, "In order for a Diaspora-based organisation to effect meaningful and lasting changes in Jamaican society, an effective and trusted Jamaican-based partner is an important imperative."
He said, "POGS's partnership with one of the most trusted, leading charitable organisations in Jamaica, Good Shepherd Foundation, has created a space for all of us … to do collectively what we cannot do effectively as individuals."
The keynote address for the evening's event was given by Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks.
She commended the organisation, and said, "…for its continued commitment, partnership and its sustained contribution and invaluable support to the most vulnerable in Jamaica, which include the poor, the infirmed and children with disabilities."
Marks added, "It is particularly noteworthy, that this young organisation has been able to make such a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the poor and the needy in various communities across Jamaica."
She noted POGS's contributions to the establishment of the state-of-the-art Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Centre." She also noted that it would not be possible without the "passion and dedication" of the Most Rev. Charles Dufour and supporters like POGS.
Marks used the occasion to inform the Jamaican community about Jamaica's "National Development Goals enshrined in Vision 20/30 Jamaica, with the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals." She provided an update on the government's progress so far.
One of the highlights of the evening was a plea by Rev. Dan Leary, Catholic priest of the St. Andrew Parish, for patrons of the event to become volunteers. He informed the gathering of the work St. Andrew Parish is performing in building accommodations for the residents of Jacobs Ladder, a Mustard Seed Communities facility in Moneague, Jamaica.
On an average, three missions from St. Andrew, led by Rev. Leary, visit Jacobs Ladder each year to contribute their skills and funds in providing housing solutions.
Also attending the event was Canon Dr. Kortright Davis, of the Episcopal Church, who provided the convocation; Sonia Ward, wife of Ambassador Ward; the presidents of Jamaican Association of Maryland (Baltimore) and Jamaican Nationals Association (Washington DC), Ricardo Nugent and Dr. Elaine Knight, respectively, accompanied by some members of their organisations. Michael Campbell and Ret. Air Force Col. Dr. Jacqueline Payne-Borden jointly emceed the event.
Source: The Gleaner
Dufour informed the gathering that POGS financial support provides assistance to students attending tertiary institutions in Jamaica, and provided financial support to the Good Shepherd Medical Centre building fund in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The Medical Centre will officially open on June 6, 2018.
The Most Rev. Charles Dufour, archbishop emeritus of Kingston, and founder of Good Shepherd Foundation (GSF), provided an update of the work of GSF and the Organization's gratitude for POGS's support.
"Today as we gather in God's name to help the least of our brothers and sisters, we can truly be grateful for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of God to those in need.
Archbishop Dufour highlighted the importance of POGS' contributions to GSF "striving to make a difference in health and education in Jamaica."
In thanking the Jamaican Diaspora community, he said, "Every day, people are struggling to raise themselves out of poverty and hopelessness, and by your generosity you are reaching out your hand to them and inspiring them with hope for the future."The Archbishop also said, "…hope may be the greatest gift that you give."
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Curtis Ward, a POGS Board member, noted that, in just five years, POGS has emerged as one of the leading Jamaican Diaspora charitable organisations. He told the gathering that, "In order for a Diaspora-based organisation to effect meaningful and lasting changes in Jamaican society, an effective and trusted Jamaican-based partner is an important imperative."
He said, "POGS's partnership with one of the most trusted, leading charitable organisations in Jamaica, Good Shepherd Foundation, has created a space for all of us … to do collectively what we cannot do effectively as individuals."
The keynote address for the evening's event was given by Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks.
She commended the organisation, and said, "…for its continued commitment, partnership and its sustained contribution and invaluable support to the most vulnerable in Jamaica, which include the poor, the infirmed and children with disabilities."
Marks added, "It is particularly noteworthy, that this young organisation has been able to make such a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the poor and the needy in various communities across Jamaica."
She noted POGS's contributions to the establishment of the state-of-the-art Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Centre." She also noted that it would not be possible without the "passion and dedication" of the Most Rev. Charles Dufour and supporters like POGS.
Marks used the occasion to inform the Jamaican community about Jamaica's "National Development Goals enshrined in Vision 20/30 Jamaica, with the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals." She provided an update on the government's progress so far.
One of the highlights of the evening was a plea by Rev. Dan Leary, Catholic priest of the St. Andrew Parish, for patrons of the event to become volunteers. He informed the gathering of the work St. Andrew Parish is performing in building accommodations for the residents of Jacobs Ladder, a Mustard Seed Communities facility in Moneague, Jamaica.
On an average, three missions from St. Andrew, led by Rev. Leary, visit Jacobs Ladder each year to contribute their skills and funds in providing housing solutions.
Also attending the event was Canon Dr. Kortright Davis, of the Episcopal Church, who provided the convocation; Sonia Ward, wife of Ambassador Ward; the presidents of Jamaican Association of Maryland (Baltimore) and Jamaican Nationals Association (Washington DC), Ricardo Nugent and Dr. Elaine Knight, respectively, accompanied by some members of their organisations. Michael Campbell and Ret. Air Force Col. Dr. Jacqueline Payne-Borden jointly emceed the event.
Source: The Gleaner
