By Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
The Gleaner's Editor-in-Chief Garfield Grandison (right) presents Dr. Paul Wright with a silver pen and copy of his Letter to the Editor which won him the coveted Silver Pen Award. The presentation took place yesterday at the Gleaner's North Street offices, central Kingston. - ANDREW SMITH/Photography Editor
DR. PAUL Wright, a medical doctor who specialises in sports medicine and orthopaedics, has proven the tremendous power of the written word.
Dr. Wright is the recipient of the coveted Gleaner Silver Pen Award for the month of June, which he received yesterday at the Gleaner Company's North Street offices. He gained the award for his inspiring Letter to the Editor entitled 'Teenager's letter sparks corporate response', published on June 24.
The doctor's letter was in response to another letter published five days earlier that was written by André Annakie, a youngster from Arnett Gardens who described his new lease on life after having learned to read.
Dr. Wright said he was struck by Annakie's experience and wanted to do something about it, so he decided to attempt to raise $200,000, which would go towards sending needy youngsters to a summer camp being put on by the Multicare Foundation.
Dr. Wright said he hoped to help other youngsters to experience what André already had.
The doctor's efforts went on to garner a total of $350,000, which was presented to the Multicare Foundation, allowing 200 youngsters to attend the summer camp.
When Dr. Wright accepted the award yesterday, he beamed with pride. "I really feel proud, this is a real honour," he said.
After admitting to writing a letter to the editor about twice a month, Dr. Wright explained that he has always had a love for writing and reading.
MAKING TIME FOR READING
"When I was young I would read labels if there were no papers. I used to write plays at university. These days, even though I am often busy with work, I always make sure to make time for reading," he said.
Describing the response he received after his letter was published, the Wolmer's High past student said it was "completely overwhelming and unexpected."
He had included his home and cellphone numbers in his letter, asking people to call him with donations. "I got so many calls: from a lady who called me and flew in from New York to donate $10,000, to an elderly woman who donated $500, the calls kept coming in. I had never seen anything like that before," Dr. Wright said.
He added that whenever he got a call, he would jump in his car and go to wherever the caller was to collect the donation and issue thank you cards.
Dr. Wright said the response to his letter shows the impact average people can make on society and vowed to continue writing his personal agenda being simply to make a difference.
