Proceeds from last month’s Red Ribbon Ball are already making their way to those in need, as Rev Glenroy Nottage, Director of All Saints Camp of St John the Devine recently received a $7,000 donation from Ball sponsors, Imperial Life Financial. The funds comprised monies collected through the house raffle on the night of the Ball.
“The money is going to be used for operation expenses,” says Rev Nottage. “We’re facing financial trouble.”
All Saints Camp, which has occupied its present location on Lazaretto Road since June of 1990, now accommodates 42 adults and 10 children. Plans are now well underway for the construction of supplementary family quarters to house senior residents of the commune. The design provides for 15 additional houses to be built; eight of them are near completion. The first home was donated by Nassau Central, a branch of Imperial Life Financial in 2000. Rev Nottage anticipates concluding the project before 2004.
“I think we need to have more support from the public,” says Rev. Nottage. “This is the only place in The Bahamas where someone can come in and really see the effects of HIV/AIDS. I’m surprised that people are not breaking the doors down to visit us.”
Rev Nottage has also observed the need for further expansion beyond this imminent housing venture in order to accommodate residents in a spacious and hygienic environment.
