St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association (Reading) in the United Kingdom has donated £1725 (EC$6300.00) to the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG to help victims of the volcanic eruptions which devastated St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in April 2021. This donation fulfils one of SVGA Reading’s key aims, which is to promote charitable activities for the benefit of Vincentians both in the UK and in SVG. These include the relief of poverty and the promotion of leisure, recreation, health, welfare and education.  

The Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG used the donation to provide 51 students with book bags containing school supplies such as notebooks, stationery, etc at a ceremony held at Victoria Park in Kingstown, SVG on 15 September 2021.  The project, in its tenth year, continues to identify some less fortunate but well deserving youngsters, and provides them with school bags and stationery for the new school year. 

Some of the 51 students receiving their donation

Care Packages for Expectant Mothers 

In an effort to relieve some of the strain on expectant mothers who were affected by the volcanic eruption, the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG used a portion of the funds donated by SVGA Reading to deliver care packages to 25 expectant mothers in Chateaubelair. The care packages contained diapers (nappies), baby milk and other essential items for a new born child.   

The project was made possible through an invaluable partnership with the St Vincent & the Grenadines and Friends Association (Reading). 

Expectant mothers in the ‘Red’ zone receiving care packages donated by SVGA Reading  

Rhandez Browne, President of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG said “On behalf of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG we once again extend thanks to you and the entire team at SVGA Reading, for your generous contribution to our projects geared toward volcano relief. You have made an invaluable contribution and we are very, very grateful.  As the late, great Whiston Houston said “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside…”  

Kemuel Spence, Chairman of SVGA Reading said: I am so proud that through our partnership with the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG, the members of SVGA Reading have been able to provide some assistance to our brethren back home who have suffered from the devastation caused by the eruptions of La Soufriere volcano.  We hope to strengthen that relationship and provide as much assistance as we can, not only when disaster strikes, but on an ongoing basis.