2017 International Day of Service

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Barbados joined congregations from 15 other Caribbean countries on Saturday, November 4, 2017, for the 4th annual International Day of Service.  Two sepearate projects this year allowed participants to volunteer both locally and regionally. 

In light of the devastating 2017 hurricane season and this year's theme, "Hands and Hearts", local LDS leaders sought out a project that would help alleviate widespread suffering in the Caribbean caused by the storms. In preparation for the event, members were encouraged to partner with others (friends, family, and neighbors) in purchasing relief supplies so members of the wider community could also participate.

                               

Wearing the recognizable Mormon Helping Hands jerseys, volunteers gathered and packed more than a dozen cases of water and fifteen boxes full of food, toiletries, and medical supplies. The donated items were collected by Pastor Dale Haynes of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to be added to a shipment of relief items for Dominica.

 

Simultaneously, Mormon Helping Hand Volunteers also measured, cut and sewed 18 custom crib sheets and 8 matching curtain panels for the baby section of the Madam Ifill Day Nursery. Individuals brought their own sewing machines and notions to the Rendezvous Chapel in order to complete the service project in just one day.

School Director, Ms. Griffiths explained that the school has a crib for each of the 18 regularly attending children ages 3-18 months in the baby section of the nursery, but the sheets wear out quickly due to frequent washing and ought to be replaced each year. They are currently using sheets supplied by the church during previous service activities.

Ms. Griffith also invited the church to be present at their annual Open Day in May to see the new crib sheets and curtains in use. “You are the only organization that has supported us over the years and I really, really appreciate that. It’s going to look real nice. We thank you, and your team.”

In Barbados, more than 25 participants dedicated at least 80 hours of service. Regionally, more than 40 thousand hours of service were donated in various projects including cleaning and painting parks, streets, hospitals, and schools; Blood Donations; and Reforestation.