Percival LaTouche, president of the Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents, encourages Tevoye Tucker, a resident at the Summerfield Boys' Home, while Albert Bennett, the institution's manager and his assistant Britania Hanson-Coward look on. - Photo by Dwight Nelson

MAY PEN, Clarendon:

The lives of the boys and their support staff at the Summerfield Boys' Home were made much easier on Thursday after they received a brand- new washing machine valued at over $50,000 from the Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents.

The washing machine was won by the association in a raffle hosted by Food For the Poor after they purchased meals from the charity organisation and fêted 42 inmates and 14 staff members at the St Andrew Juvenile Remand Centre. The activities took place during a pre-independence dinner in July.

The association, after winning the machine, asked Food For the Poor to seek a suitable charity for donation. The Summerfield Boys' Home was selected after a representative from Food For the Poor visited the facility.

Relieve the pain

In handing over the washing machine to the institution, Percival LaTouche, president of the Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents, told workers: "I hope that this machine will relieve the pain of handwashing clothes for the young men at the institution."

While addressing the boys LaTouche used the theme, 'You may be lost but not forgotten'.

"You are still young, time is on your side, and it is for you to use it wisely to return to society," said LaTouche.

The president also revealed that his association intended to help the boys at the facility who were willing to learn a skill and pledged a brand-new computer. According to LaTouche the pledge would become a reality in a few weeks.

"We are pleased for the contribution that Mr LaTouche and his association has made to the institution because we have been suffering over a period of time from the lack of certain amenities, which would make work much easier at the institution, and we are more than grateful," said Britania Hanson-Coward, assistant manager of the Summerfield Boys' Home.

- Dwight Nelson