Rotary helps orphanage in Trinidad

Posted by Lydia Sorflaten

Over the last eight years, the Rotary Club of Truro has helped an orphanage in Trinidad/Tobago several ways. A permanent home is under construction. Working through the Rotary Club of Piarco, Trinidad, the Rotary Club of Truro is helping with the purchase of materials to build the new home.

Truro Rotary Club Helps Orphanages in Arima, Trinidad

Involvement with an orphanage in Trinidad/Tobago for the Rotary Club of Truro began some eight years ago when Rotarian Lydia Sorflaten and husband Allan were working as Volunteer Advisors (VA's) with CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization). Working in third world countries, CESO VA's often are uniquely placed to assess a situation on the ground. Rotary people in those countries also are key to knowing how things work and what may be the best way to direct assistance.

In January 2000 Mrs. Leris (Kerr) Trim spent several days in hospital with her baby daughter. While there she observed children living at the hospital and without a home. Without knowing how she was going to provide for them, she decided to take four of the children home with her. Thus began the Jesus Cares Family Cottage that now is home to 18 children. The road has not been easy but the pathway is unfolding.

The Rotary Club of Truro, over a two year period, sponsored four of the younger children to attend a top rate nursery school. This gave relief to care workers at the orphanage who are responsible for the children 24 hours a day.