The Dharm Shala has issued an appeal for financial assistance to help it continue its humanitarian service. A release last week said its homes in both Fort Canje, Berbice, and in Georgetown were open to the “destitute, sick, unloved, lonely and others” of all races and religions, and it was entirely dependent on public donations for its existence.

In addition to day-to-day expenses, the institution has to maintain its nine Dharm buildings and pay water and electricity rates. The last two, the release said, had “bitten off a great portion of the Dharm Shala’s reserve funds painstakingly accumulated over the years.” At this time of year too, there would be the traditional Christmas lunch for the poor on Christmas Day and the poor children’s party during the month of December.

Anyone interested in making a donation should send it to the Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, President or Vice President, c/o Dharm Shala, 140 King Edward Street, Albouystown; or Mr Edward Boyer, c/o National Hardware (Guyana) Ltd, Water Street, Georgetown.