THIRTY-ONE deserving students of Vieux Fort benefited from the generosity of the International American University (IAU) College of Medicine when it collaborated with the St. Lucia Red Cross to donate school supplies to them.
The children, students of kindergarten, infant and primary school level, received their supplies which consisted of exercise books and pencils, among other items, at a brief ceremony held at the college on Wednesday.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of IAU, Patrick J Gannon, said IAU was pleased to partner with the St. Lucia Red Cross to make the donation. He added that the school appreciates the work of the Red Cross and wishes it well in all its endeavours.
He also said IAU appreciates St. Lucia and its splendid hospitality.
āWe care for Saint Lucia, we care for the schools and we care for Comfort Bay,ā Gannon said.
In an interview with Phelia Wilson of the St. Lucia Red Cross (Vieux-Fort branch), she told The VOICE that the Red Cross was proud to be associated with IAU to help underprivileged children.
āThe Red Cross is very excited about this. It brings a sense of commitment and community togetherness,ā she said.
Wilson added that the Red Cross would like to see such a gesture continue.
āThe little help goes a long way,ā she said.
In an interview with Vernell Charles, the mother of one of the students who received a donation, she said she welcomed the humanitarian gesture by the college, adding that it will be of much assistance to her.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of IAU, Sibi Gopalakrishnan, told this reporter that IAU has always played a philanthropic role in the community and will continue to do so.
āWe feel happy helping people in need. We do more than just educating students to become doctors,ā Gopalakrishnan said.
That’s funny, IAU donates to charity organizations but does not pay its workers. My good friend did not get paid her monthly salary 4 days before this article was written. So IAU donated her income to help the Red Cross. Today is her payday and she received nothing. Don’t be fooled by some of these wicked foreign investors. Trying to look good in the eyes of the public whilst they use and abuse those that are helpless in the shadows.