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South Florida Non-Profit Supports Needy Jamaican Communities

United Districts of Islington Inc. Readies for Third Major Fundraiser

Fort Lauderdale –  The United Districts of Islington Inc., a South Florida non-profit organization supports needy Jamaican communities by raising funds to provide education and health based support to individuals and facilities in Saint Mary, Jamaica.

The United Districts of Islington Inc. will host its third major fundraising event on Saturday, November 7, 2015. at the Rodeway Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale  located at 2440 W State Rd 84.

Billed as a reunion dinner and dance, the event hopes to attract patronage from persons with roots in one or more of the 37 districts within the Islington communities, as well as bring together past students of Hillside, Water Valley, Orange Hill, Robins Bay and Martins primary schools. Net proceeds will be used to continue providing educational scholarships to deserving children, further expand school libraries and assist the Islington Health Center with basic supplies.

“All of us from rural Jamaica can remember the challenges we faced growing up and sadly, today’s needs are still the same. Our school children need textbooks, reading material, stationery supplies and nutritious meals to help them attain their full potential”, said Maxwell Beckford, chairman of the charity. “The aim of this organization is to give back to the districts that nurtured so many of our members, in meaningful ways,” he further added.

Living and working in the Islington communities also positively impacted the lives of prominent Jamaicans such as His Excellency The Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen; Kingston Custos, The Hon. Steadman Fuller; and Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, among others.

Since the nonprofit’s inception in 2013, four of the five targeted primary schools have received their requested quota of text books; two high school students have been awarded annual tuition scholarships; and others have received transportation and/or lunch money support. One basic school has received toys and children’s books and is about to gain annual support through the Project for the Advancement of Children Education (PACE) program based on the organization’s request through a sponsor.

United Districts of Islington Committee Member, Lorna McKenize delivering books to Hillside Primary
United Districts of Islington Committee Member, Lorna McKenize delivering books to Hillside Primary

Persons are encouraged to attend the event, make a donation and join the organization. Tickets cost $75 and the event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For more information on purchasing tickets, sponsorship or membership guidelines, please call 954-849-4001 or visit the United Districts of Islington Facebook page.

Students at Water Valley Primary gather to say thanks to United Districts of Islington Representative Lorna Mckenzie for the library donation.
Students at Water Valley Primary gather to say thanks to United Districts of Islington Representative Lorna Mckenzie for the library donation.

 

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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