Article A36 · Book 1 · Scrapbook page p.29
Poor Cedros folk deserve your help
SHEILA DE IRAZABAL
I KNOW many of you will once more think: Oh dear, here is yet another appeal for yet another charity? But please do not think that way. On the contrary, every appeal is different and individual. Most are urgent, but many are a result of desperate situations.
This, in my candid opinion, must be given priority, and Rev. Fr. Pascall's untiring efforts to procure necessities for every man, woman and child living in the village of Cedros deserve support.
In spite of Fr. Pascall's vigorous and consistent dedication, he is confronted with continuous obstacles and set-backs, created by the indifferent attitude of the many hundreds of people who, with a little effort, could help in some small way.
Funds are needed urgently for some of the many glaring requirements: money, clothes, books, medicine, transport, etc.
There is no secondary school in Cedros, the nearest one being in Point Fortin, a distance of 17 miles. In moments of emergency, there is no hospital, and a doctor visits only twice a week.
Telephone and telegram communications are practically non-existent, adding yet another serious problem.
There are innumerable poor families, with many children in excessive need surviving on $18 poor relief per month.
Old folk who can't help themselves are being gradually placed in the San Fernando Home for The Poor, run by the St. Vincent de Paul nuns. At the moment, there are eight such people, and the Society gives towards their keep $30 per month.
There is a community centre being built, so the church building is being used for all big functions, such as Carnival, arts week, etc.
On behalf of the Latin American Women's Club, I appeal to all citizens residing in or around Port-of-Spain, to support, in any way, the effort we are making to help this village, and to regard this as an urgent thing, with compassion and goodwill.
A "bring an buy coffee morning" will be held at 9.30 to noon. Please re- [—] wood Park, tomorrow, from 9.30 a.m. to noon. Please remember, your contributions and generous help will be more than appreciated. [Passage garbled as printed, with duplicated fragments; the sense is the coffee morning at Goodwood Park — see the notice, A34 — tomorrow, from 9.30 a.m. to noon.]
Your help will encourage a community and emphasise to them that all is not lost, and that there is interest and concern by fellow citizens.