Janet Richards Foundation targeting Bolt for more help

Western Bureau:

Chairman of the Janet Richards Foundation, Janet Richards, says she will be reaching out to the Usain Bolt Foundation to help transform the play area at the St James-based Mustard Seed Children’s Home, saying that playing and having fun are essential to the children’s overall development.

“I am going to appeal to the kind generosity of retired Olympian Usain Bolt, through the Usain Bolt Foundation, to help us put in slides for the children and fix up the play area so that they can play and have fun,” Richards said, while addressing residents, caregivers and invited guests at the home’s annual Christmas treat last weekend.

Richards also used the occasion to publicly thank the Usain Bolt Foundation for fully underwriting the Christmas treat and a special project at the Moore Park facility, at a cost of $900,000.

Bolt’s foundation this year provided a special gift to the home in the form of four patio tables and benches, fitted with umbrella. Among the many other gifts are a tent, a portable swimming pool, and toiletries.

“I really want to thank the Usain Bolt Foundation, which was gracious enough to cover the full expense for this year’s annual Christmas treat and special project,” she said, noting that the support continued despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa and the recent fire at Tracks and Records in Montego Bay.

Richards extended special thanks to the foundation’s board and its chairman, Winsome Wilkins, for what she described as their unwavering commitment.

“Amid the hurricane, their heartfelt support to this home never wavered,” Richards added.

The festive celebration brought cheer not only to the children, but also to the staff who care for them daily. All residents received toys, while staff members were gifted vouchers from Rapid Hardware.

Cordell Howell-Huie, administrator at the home, described the partnership forged with the Janet Richards Foundation, the Usain Bolt Foundation and the Mustard Seed Children’s Home as unique, citing the inclusive approach to care.

“There are times when volunteers and donors come and they only think of our children,” she said. “But with the Janet Richards Foundation and the Usain Bolt Foundation together, they have been helping to provide for so many different needs of our children, and they also factor in our caregivers, and that is what I most love.”

Howell-Huie also welcomed the proposed plan by Richards for the play-area upgrades, noting that structured recreation plays a critical role in the physical therapy, emotional development and overall well-being of the children.

The Mustard Seed Children’s Home, located in the Moore Park community, provides residential care for some of western Jamaica’s most medically and physically challenged children. Stakeholders say improved outdoor play facilities would significantly enhance quality of life for residents and provide much-needed relief and stimulation within the home’s therapeutic environment.

At the end of the Christmas dinner, Richards reiterated her hope that the season goes beyond one-day giving.

“These children deserve more than care,” she said. “They deserve happiness, and happiness begins with a place where they can play.”

The general conditions for children at Mustard Seed Communities homes provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment with lifelong, specialised care for individuals who are often abandoned and have extensive physical and mental disabilities, are affected by HIV, or are teen mothers in crisis.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com