Chat-bout.net - Returning residents give back to needy students

Returning residents give back to needy students

Some 1,500 students in East Portland received much-needed back-to-school supplies from the Association of Resettlement of Returning Residents (ARRR) during its annual treat on Tuesday.

The students who benefited from the treat, which was held at Long Road Basic School, were between ages five to 16 years, and were among those who attended schools in the Manchioneal community two to three days per week because of the size of their family, which was compounded by the economic and financial challenges facing their parents.

"I am happy that we are able to continue this treat," said Percival LaTouche, president of the ARRR. He continued: "There were a number of challenges, but thanks to our sponsors, we are able to make these little ones smile and ease the burdens on the pockets of parents. We are looking into the likelihood of bringing in several containers of school supplies, including khaki, but the Government would have to allow us to do this at no extra cost, and I believe that this would benefit students’ islandwide."

Grateful for supplies

According to LaTouche, the idea of shipping containers of back-to-school supplies from the United Kingdom and the United States would impact greatly on the lives of students whose parents experience difficulties.

Karen Moore, a single parent and mother of five children, lauded the efforts of the sponsors, and commented that the treat could not have come at a better time.

"I was a worried mother before today. I play the role of both father and mother, and to realise that I have received khaki suits for my two boys, bags, books, pencils, sharpeners, and other stuff for all my children, I have to thank them for coming to my rescue."

Approximately $900,000 worth of back-to-school supplies were made available to the students through the kind sponsorship of the Bank of Nova Scotia, National Commercial Bank, Twin City Haberdashery and I.N.K. Agencies.

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