President of the Lions Club of Tortola Carvin Malone (2nd from right) makes the monetary donation to Director of Family Support Network (FSN) Dr Sylvia M. Simmonds in the presence of other Lions. Photo: VINO

Lions sub-committee liaison officer, Professor Emeritus, Lion Arthur G. Richardson, a retired lecturer of Psychology at the University of the West Indies, has pledged to assist Family Support Network with counseling and other services where psychological help is necessary. Photo: VINO

The simple presentation ceremony was held at FSN’s office in Road Town and received by Director of FSN, Dr Sylvia Simmonds. She told this news site that while FSN is heavily dependent on the donations of food, clothing and other supplies necessary for activities of daily living, it’s very critical that it gets money to offset expenses.

“We need to have rent paid, we have to pay the staff, though it is nothing much that they get, we have utilities cost and we do get a subvention from the government but that cannot do it alone. We cherish what we get from government but it’s very small so we are forever grateful for partnerships like what we are experiencing here today with the Lions,” said Dr Simmonds.

To make the donation, the Lions Club of Tortola partnered with corporate sponsoring partners; Samuels Richardson & Co; One Stop Auto and SunBloom Beauty Supply.

Recognising value of FSN’s work

Lions President Mr Carvin Malone MJF, while handing over the cheque, said that as president he was pleased to affirm the club’s commitment to partnering with FSN. “As Lions members we recognise the value of the services imparted to the BVI community. Indeed, it is a 24/7 operation that require both monetary and human resources.”

In this regard, the Lions sub-committee liaison officer, Professor Emeritus, Lion Arthur G. Richardson, a retired lecturer of Psychology at the University of the West Indies, has pledged to assist the charitable organisation with counseling and other services where psychological help is necessary.

”In discussions with Dr Simmonds she indicated that there is a need for help in the area of counseling at the Family Support Network and I indicated to her that I would be willing and happy to offer my skills as a counsellor and related psychological inputs. I would of course volunteer as a member of the Lions Club and I think this can go a long way in assisting the Family Support Network in that regard,” Lions’ Professor Richardson told this news site.

Individuals and corporate partners are also encouraged to support fund-raising efforts in support of the Lions Club of Tortola’s quest to offer assistance to the Family Support Network and the many community initiatives that are undertaken by the Lions from time-to-time.