A legacy of kindness

Kindness and simply being a good neighbour have been foundation principles of the Morgan family from May Pen, Clarendon, for generations.

Instilled by their late parents, Elizabeth and Clarence Morgan, those values of generosity and community care have never faded and remain the mantra throughout the generations.

The values they were nurtured with were on display recently as family members, old and young, locally and abroad, pooled their talents and resources into providing the community’s children with a back-to-school treat, bringing joy, laughter, and much-needed support to children in Curatoe Hill and surrounding communities.

The day was more than just bounceabouts, music, and meals. It was about equipping children for the school year ahead. Thanks to generous partnerships with corporate sponsors and non-profits like the Aubyn Foundation, the Morgans gifted $350,000 in scholarships to primary, secondary, and tertiary students as well as $100,000 in book vouchers plus, school bags and supplies.

For the Morgans, this is not charity; it is legacy.

“We’ve never ever felt cheated when giving to persons,” shared Gaye Morgan, the youngest daughter of Clarence, who co-led the initiative with her niece, Cedrica Reid.

“Daddy always had a van, and when it was mango time, the back would be full. He’d call everybody not for us to take first, but for everyone to share together. That’s the spirit he raised us with, and it’s what we’re passing on.”

And the many smiles, the dances, the pitter-patter of feet running to and fro as the children played games and jumped on the trampoline and bounceabout were more than evidence that the gesture of kindness was well received by especially those to whom it was targeted.

SPIRIT OF SHARING

The spirit of sharing defined Slim Lane, where the Morgans grew up alongside families like the Russells and the Clarkes. Adults were “aunties” and “uncles,” and children were all “cousins”. Homes, meals, and laughter were always open and shared.

It is in honour of that legacy that the Morgan family continues to give not only to Curatoe Hill, but also to wider communities. This year, scholarships and vouchers also went to outstanding Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students from the May Pen and Sevens Heights Seventh-day Adventist churches, as well as tertiary students in St Catherine and the Corporate Area.

One of the beneficiaries, Shantalee Wilson, an aspiring mathematician and sixth-form student at St Jago High, lit up when she received her $50,000 scholarship.

“Numbers were always my place, it’s just patterns and algorithms flowing like colours,” she shared, excited about pursuing mathematics at The University of the West Indies.

Another recipient, Lee-Anna Miller, a third-year medical student aspiring to specialise in anaesthesiology, entered the scholarship programme just before the deadline thanks to her mother, who spotted the opportunity on Instagram.

“We didn’t put down anything and they gave us this, we are truly grateful,” her mother, Yvette Gibson shared.

“Every time we had something, we extended it to others,” said Gaye. “This back-to-school treat is simply the continuation of what our parents started and our way of saying ‘Thank you’, honouring our parents and siblings who have passed, and keeping their spirit alive in the only way we know how, by giving.”

The Morgans’ Family Foundation, in partnership with their supporters, hopes to continue expanding the initiative, making sure that kindness and opportunity reach more each year.