The Tribune

THE International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Grand Bahama Chapter donated food and cleaning supplies to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home after organising a successful food drive.

Zia Lewis-Adams, new FIDA president, along with other members, made the presentation at the home yesterday.

FIDA makes ongoing donations; however, Mrs Adams said the group is committed to forging an even stronger partnership with the children’s home, which houses anywhere from 28 to 35 children from infancy to the age of 13.

“We have done things with them in the past but this year we wanted to create a partnership dynamic really, and the food drive came about when our chairman of the outreach committee, Hadassah Swain spoke to Sheila Johnson Smith who said that cleaning supplies were also needed.”

Ms Swain said that due to the financial challenges faced by the home, FIDA wanted to step in and assist the facility.

“In the spirit of Thanksgiving we are elated to present this generous donation this morning provided by our members,” she said.

Mrs Lewis added that FIDA looks forward to assisting other organisations in the future.

“We desire to take this initiative into the wider community; we hope to expand our reach to the homes of the aged and other organisations in need in the near future,” she said.

Sheila Johnson Smith, the orphanage’s executive director, was very grateful for the donation and commended the organisation for its continued support during the year.

According to Ms Smith, the home is a 24-hour facility with an operational cost of some $500,000 per year.

Despite the financial challenges, Ms Smith said the home continues to take in more children and has just recently accepted another disabled child.

“This facility was not designed for non-ambulatory children.

“But when we get a call, what can we do?

“We have to help, we can’t turn them away, and we cannot turn social services down; we really need all the help we can get from the community,” she said.

As part of its community service outreach, FIDA is also planning to conduct a free legal clinic for the public next month.

Mrs Lewis-Adams said the clinic is scheduled for December 8 at the Sir Charles Hayward Library from 9am to 1pm.

“Anyone needing free legal advice is invited to stop by as we will offer legal advice on family and matrimonial matters, probate issues, and divorce, etc. So, if anyone is looking for free legal advice they should come and take advantage of this opportunity,” she said.