The Dharm Shala is again making its annual appeal for assistance in money or kind during the festive season to enable it to continue its humanitarian work.

In a release last week the eighty-six year old Benevolent Home said, “People from all walks of life, irrespective of race or religion, the sick, destitute, lonely and unloved,” would often appear at its gates, and would be given a shower, clean clothes, a warm bed “and most of the amenities of civilized living.” The statement went on to say that three meals were served daily, including Sunday.

The Dharm Shala pointed out that it had to maintain nine buildings, all of which were used for charitable purposes, and whose facilities were free for inmates. In addition the home had to meet the expenses of insurance, telephone, electricity and water, and the last two in particular had taken a toll on the institution’s reserve funds, which had been so “painstakingly accumulated” over past years.

A reference was also made in the release to the problem of continual theft and vandalism, which caused stress both to the management of the institution as well as the full-time voluntary workers who gave their services there.

The adversities notwithstanding, said the Dharm Shala, the work continued.

Anyone desirous of making donations can send them to the Treasurer or the President, c/o Dharm Shala, 140 King Edward Street, Albouystown; or to Mr Edward Boyer, Assistant Secretary Dharm Shala, c/o National Hardware, Water Street, Georgetown.