The Republic of China, Taiwan have donated boxes of charity goods to Saint Lucia in an effort to assist the less fortunate.

Saint Lucia is in receipt of a donation of 300 boxes of charity goods from the Simply Help Foundation via the Taiwanese embassy to aid in helping decrease the scourge of poverty in Saint Lucia. The handing over of the donations spearheaded by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government, was held at the Chase Gardens Human Resource Centre on March 28.

His Excellency Ambassador Douglas Shen of the Republic of China, Taiwan conveys that he hopes this gesture brings happiness and relief to Saint Lucians and further strengthens the relationship between Saint Lucia and Taiwan.

“This is my second time to present charity goods to the government of Saint Lucia on behalf of Simply Help Foundation. Simply Help Foundation was born in the year 2000 in Los Angeles, United States, and is active in 23 countries with a strong presence in Central America. It is founded by Tina Bow, a Taiwanese American, dedicated to relieving poverty and providing emergency relief, vocational training, and care for homeless elderly. The foundation has cooperated with the government of Taiwan to contribute over EC$200,000 worth of charity goods to the people of Saint Lucia since the year 2015. Today, I am more than happy to announce that this year Simply Help is donating 300 boxes which is worth nearly EC$200,000.”

Hon. Lenard Montoute, Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, expressed his gratitude to Taiwan for its continuous support.

“For a number of years, I have been privileged to be a part of this exercise. I remember that last year I was privy to being present for this handover. I am reminded as a member of government, now that we are going through this budget process, that though we are mindful of those who are poor and vulnerable and that we make provisions for them, our limited resources never allow us to provide all of what is needed for the people who are most in need. We rely heavily on the services and generosity of CBOs and NGOs and friendly governments such as Taiwan and so, it is with gratitude that I on behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia, through you express our sincere thanks to Simply Help Foundation.”

Also in attendance were the Saint Lucia Red Cross and the  Salvation Army, who are the agencies chosen to  disseminate the goods.