Ladies of Charity appeals for more resources

GUYANA

As the Ladies of Charity marked 92 years of service in Guyana, the Secretary of the Association made a pitch for more human, financial and other resources to assist the organisation in furthering its major objective which is to visit and care for the poor.

Beverley Rogers made the appeal while giving the annual report of the association during their annual Mass at the Our Lady of Fatima Church on June 23.

Established June 23, 1927, the Ladies of Charity is an association of women in the Diocese of Georgetown whose dedication, time and sacrifice have provided over 92 years of volunteer service, financial, spiritual and other forms of assistance for those living in poverty, regardless of race, religion or political persuasion.

According to a Catholic Standard report, Rogers said that the members are faced with even greater challenges since most of them are advancing in age. The group, she said, “is in dire need of an injection of younger vibrant workers who are willing to give of their time, talent and treasures joyfully to serve the poor.”

At present there are 60 active members and several honorary members of the Ladies of Charity. The association assists approximately 32 women and 11 children.

The Ladies of Charity has two homes for women managed and supervised by the association. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to manage these homes financially so we are continuously seeking help,” she said.

Rogers highlighted that the St Joseph’s home at present accommodates one resident and is still in dire need of repairs and painting. Bonds Haven home is temporarily housing Venezuelan migrants at the request of the diocese.

In concluding her report, Rogers expressed her sincere thanks on behalf of the officers and members of the association to Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB, priests, officers and members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Food for the Poor organisation, among others who in some way contributed generously to the welfare of the association.

She said their hopeful dream is that in the future more persons and organisations would recognise the work they are doing and so contribute in cash or kind towards its continued existence.

To prospective members Rogers said, “To all you ladies out there who are thinking of joining; remember love is like the five loaves and two fish, always too little until you start giving it away. A different world cannot be built by indifferent people.”