30 kids with HIV/AIDS get new home
THE 30 children living with HIV/AIDS who were left homeless when fire gutted Martha’s House on North Street in March this year, are to be relocated to a newly constructed village on lands occupied by Mustard Seed Communities on Windsor Road, Spanish Town.
During a tour of the new premises yesterday morning by executives of the Jamaica Broilers Group Foundation, construction workers were busy adding the finishing touches to the buildings which include five houses, an administrative block, which includes a kitchen and television room, gazebo, storage area, living accommodation for long and short-term volunteers, laundry and visitors’ restrooms.
There is also an adoration room on the premises, where workers and the children are encouraged to spend half an hour each day in reflection and prayer.
“We are very impressed with the work that has been carried out in making this village so cheerful and accommodating for the children,” said Ian Parsard, chairman of the Jamaica Broilers Group Foundation. “In fact, we are so pleased with what we have seen today that we will be looking into the possibility of increasing our donation beyond the $1 million that we have already committed to Mustard Seed Communities for the rebuilding of Martha’s House,” he added.
Donna Reynolds, administrator for the HIV/AIDS programme run by Mustard Seed Communities — the Dare to Care Hospice, Martha’s House and Matthew 25:40 — said the Jamaica Broilers Group Foundation was one of the first corporations to offer assistance in the construction of the $19-million village project.
In addition, she said that the Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies has been partnering with Mustard Seed Communities for an extended period.
Jamaica Broilers, she said, assisted with the setting up of two tilapia ponds on the compound from which 7,000 pounds of fish have been harvested. The company has also has donated layers for the poultry operations there, which provide an average of 225 dozens of eggs per month.