News

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

MEMBERS OF the Swaby's Hope community in Manchester have come together to assist one of their own who is ailing with cancer.

At a fund-raising event hosted by the Citizen's Association and Community Sport Club last Sunday, held at Swaby's New Testament Church of God, more than $100,000 was raised for Denise Salmon, who is also visually impaired.

The fund-raiser featured performances in song and dance from students and community members, and inspirational speeches, before a collection was taken.

Grateful for funds

The money will greatly assist with Salmon's medical ex-penses; the ailing woman has to travel to Kingston regularly for treatment.

Her husband, Evol Salmon, who was laid off from his job at bauxite company Alpart, said the family had been finding it difficult to pay for the treatment.

He thanked the residents for their support.

"Thanks to the pastor for allowing the citizen's association to put on this function here. Thanks to my neighbours and my friends. I try to do what I can do, I love my wife and I thank everyone for their encourage-ment," he said.

President of the Citizen's Association, Martin Tomlinson, said he was pleased with the response to the event.

"Whenever I call on the people of Swaby's Hope, they always answer me, and I am thankful that they responded to a community member who has a need. The theme of our organi-sation is 'Change is possible', and it is happening. We believe in giving someone flowers when they are alive."

Operations manager at the Santa Cruz Branch of the Jamaica National Building Society and a community member, Alethia Peart, who was the guest speaker, commended the members of the association for their continued support of persons with need in the community.

Last year, the group gave a similar sum of money to a basic school teacher in the area, who had lost a leg to diabetes.

"It is the second time that I have gone to a grand event put on by the association, and I have seen where the community at large has come out in their numbers to support what they are doing. They amplify the word love," she said.

- JIS