DAIC donates to DNCW, Grotto Home

On Friday, December 4, 2015, two local charities received monetary donations from the Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC). The Dominica National Council of Women (DNCW) and Community Hostels Incorporated, the parent body of the Grotto Home for the Homeless received EC $4,500.00 and EC$3,500.00 respectively.

Upon receipt of a donation from Houston, Texas-based Wood Group Mustang, the DAIC identified the local charities as suitable to pass on the donations to. Recognizing that women and children are amongst the most vulnerable groups impacted during disasters, and as stressed in the recent Development Partners Conference held in late October, the DAIC identified a project of the DNCW as ideal.

Monies donated to this charity will support an initiative to provide food and transportation for displaced students of single mothers. The DNCW serves as an umbrella organization for women’s groups in Dominica and is playing a key role in improving the socio-economic situation of families within specific priority communities on a timely basis. Given that women tend to have fewer assets to rely on, the DAIC sees the donation as a chance to strengthen this sector of the population as no matter how small or large a contribution, each will work toward improving socio-economic security in the long term.

Ms. Vania David, President of DNCW was pleased that the DAIC felt the need to contribute towards women in Dominica. She recognized that Private Sector has done, and continues to do, a great deal for the country and its communities and how much the communities of Dominica depend on the Private Sector. She thanked the DAIC on behalf of the DNCW promising that it would be put into good use.

The Grotto Home was also identified as a recipient of a donation by the DAIC. The UN / UNICEF highlighted in their preliminary assessment post-TS Erika that elderly with disabilities data was hard to compile as there is no database. The DAIC is concerned about the impact this has on socio-economic status and focuses attention on those organizations which seek to accommodate and care for these individuals.

The DAIC is aware of the need to move into their facility at Stockfarm and hope that in addition to other private sector donations, this may add to the realization of this move.

Mr. Ainsworth Irish, President of the Grotto Home expressed that “the world is built for everyone to live in,” thanking the DAIC and the Private Sector for coming to the rescue once again. With thirty-six residents to care for and feed as well as the “Soup Kitchen” initiative to feed over 40 vagrants every evening, expenses increase and subventions cannot meet needs. Mr. Irish was at a loss for words to express how deeply he and those involved in the Grotto Home felt.

In a private handover, President Jeffrey Baptiste explained the DAIC’s selection of these two entities, noting that the DNCW plays an important role in supporting women and that it’s initiative to assist 16 female single-headed household affected by Tropical Storm Erika was commendable. In addition, “We are particularly touched by the significant challenges confronting the Management of the Grotto home to house and care for the near 40 residents of the facility and commit the DAIC’s fullest support to fast track the completion of new enhanced residence at Stockfarm…” stated Mr. Baptiste.