c The Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto and several community organisations have launched a Hospital Bed programme through which they plan to ship beds and other items to Guyana to benefit the health sector.
A press release from the Consulate General said 715 beds, a quantity of wheelchairs and 12 comforters, estimated to cost Cdn$54,200, will be shipped to the ministries of health and human service for distribution countrywide.
The beds, which are about one and a half years old, are being replaced by electrically operated units under a replacement programme in Toronto. The programme is already underway and must conclude by March 15.
Peel Guyanese Association, which has shipped more than 500 beds to Guyana over the last ten years, has agreed to act as the financial custodian on the project and to provide tax receipts to anyone who donates Cdn$20 or more to the programme.
The Guyana Flood Relief Committee has also agreed to use the residual funds in its account to assist in offsetting the shipping costs and Atlas Cargo has agreed to make a substantial contribution to the programme. Senvia Money Services is also supporting the programme.
The release said Honorary Consul General Danny Doobay has urged the Guyanese community in Canada to support the project. He said about 350 beds are currently needed in hospitals in areas such as New Amsterdam, Skeldon, Port Mourant, Mibikuri, Suddie, Charity, Lethem, Mabaruma and Linden and at other small cottage hospitals. The release said extra beds will be placed in social services institutions that serve the homeless and needy.
The committee has also launched several fundraising activities initiatives. Seventy-five donation books have been printed and are in circulation.
The release said a fundraising brunch is also slated for March 4, from 1 pm to 4 pm, and tickets cost Cdn$20 per person.
The committee has also planned a fundraising dinner/dance for April 28 for which tickets will cost Cdn$25. Both events will be hosted at BJ’s Restaurant in Etobicoke.
The committee includes co-chairmen David Adams and Kumar Singh, Thelma Tappin, Jerry Karamat, June Ann Sealey, Amna Small, Robert Gibson, Rupchand Sawh, Azim Ullah and Kevin Samaroo.
