Miss-Delectable
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A child's generosity - JAMAICAOBSERVER.COM
TODAY'S world, with its heavy focus on fashion and technological gadgets, holds a million and one temptations for a ten-year-old girl who wishes to spend US$500.
From iPods and MP3 players to skinny jeans and designer tees, Kimberly Harris - an American born to Jamaican parents - had the means by which to indulge in said luxuries. But she didn't, opting instead to donate her money to a worthy cause.
She gave the Jamaican equivalent of US$500 to the Lister Mair Gilby School for the Deaf in Hope Estates, Papine.
"I, Kimberly Harris, would like to donate this cheque of US$500 to the Lister Mair Gilby School for the deaf," she said in a statement issued on the occasion of the recent donation.
The money was payment Kimberly received from Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness for presenting the guest address at the Jamaica Conference Centre last May when the organisation launched its MAP Keeper's Club. The club promotes among school children the values of justice, truth, unity, loyalty and strength that are espoused by the nation's motto, anthem and pledge (MAP).
"In the beginning, I knew I would not take the pay from Hands for the speech. After I gave my speech at the MAP Keepers Club. and I saw those students, I was touched. Upon returning to New York, one thing that was constantly resting on my mind was Lister Mair and how I could help," the 10-year-old said. "It was so inspiring to see the difference they were making in society for people with disabilities (just like) my sister, Nekhidia - who has physical disabilities - always inspires me. She does not allow anything to get in the way of achieving her goals."
Nekhidia, 12, who appears to suffer from dwarfism, also exhorted the Lister Mair Gilby students in the statement.
"Always believe in yourselves. Do everything with confidence, set goals, study hard and you'll succeed," she said.
The girls were unable to make the presentation personally but their father, Michael Harris, did the honours on their behalf.
Vice-president of Lister Mair, Audrey Watson, who accompanied head girl Cassandra Whyte to collect the cheque on behalf of the school family, told Career & Education that Kimberly's young age made the donation more significant.
"We are very, very grateful. It's so thoughtful of her for one so young," she said.
The funds will go towards repairing sections of the school damaged by Hurricane Dean last August and purchasing equipment for the students.
The Harris sisters also handed over four game balls - two for football and two for basketball - an air pump, a utility bag and other equipment to the August Town Police Youth Club. In addition, they gave school supplies to Crescent Basic School in Spanish Town. Both projects cost roughly US$130, which the girls saved from allowances and financial gifts from relatives.
President of the youth club, Kadeisha Francis, said they had to suspend activities last year because of violence in the area and had lost some of their equipment. But she said that the investment from the youngsters would go a far way in helping the club get back on its feet.
"We would like to donate these school supplies [stationery items], a 200-piece essential first aid kit, motivational stickers and award certificates. [They] should be used to encourage students to improve their work (and) do random acts of kindness," the sisters wrote.
Estrielda Taylor, who has served as principal of the early childhood institution for the past 50 years, told Career & Education that she was so overwhelmed by the gesture that she "would need a booklet" to express herself adequately.
"I don't know how to say thanks to him for what he has done for us," she said, referring to the girls' father who is a former student of Crescent Basic. "He has awoken us to life."
TODAY'S world, with its heavy focus on fashion and technological gadgets, holds a million and one temptations for a ten-year-old girl who wishes to spend US$500.
From iPods and MP3 players to skinny jeans and designer tees, Kimberly Harris - an American born to Jamaican parents - had the means by which to indulge in said luxuries. But she didn't, opting instead to donate her money to a worthy cause.
She gave the Jamaican equivalent of US$500 to the Lister Mair Gilby School for the Deaf in Hope Estates, Papine.
"I, Kimberly Harris, would like to donate this cheque of US$500 to the Lister Mair Gilby School for the deaf," she said in a statement issued on the occasion of the recent donation.
The money was payment Kimberly received from Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness for presenting the guest address at the Jamaica Conference Centre last May when the organisation launched its MAP Keeper's Club. The club promotes among school children the values of justice, truth, unity, loyalty and strength that are espoused by the nation's motto, anthem and pledge (MAP).
"In the beginning, I knew I would not take the pay from Hands for the speech. After I gave my speech at the MAP Keepers Club. and I saw those students, I was touched. Upon returning to New York, one thing that was constantly resting on my mind was Lister Mair and how I could help," the 10-year-old said. "It was so inspiring to see the difference they were making in society for people with disabilities (just like) my sister, Nekhidia - who has physical disabilities - always inspires me. She does not allow anything to get in the way of achieving her goals."
Nekhidia, 12, who appears to suffer from dwarfism, also exhorted the Lister Mair Gilby students in the statement.
"Always believe in yourselves. Do everything with confidence, set goals, study hard and you'll succeed," she said.
The girls were unable to make the presentation personally but their father, Michael Harris, did the honours on their behalf.
Vice-president of Lister Mair, Audrey Watson, who accompanied head girl Cassandra Whyte to collect the cheque on behalf of the school family, told Career & Education that Kimberly's young age made the donation more significant.
"We are very, very grateful. It's so thoughtful of her for one so young," she said.
The funds will go towards repairing sections of the school damaged by Hurricane Dean last August and purchasing equipment for the students.
The Harris sisters also handed over four game balls - two for football and two for basketball - an air pump, a utility bag and other equipment to the August Town Police Youth Club. In addition, they gave school supplies to Crescent Basic School in Spanish Town. Both projects cost roughly US$130, which the girls saved from allowances and financial gifts from relatives.
President of the youth club, Kadeisha Francis, said they had to suspend activities last year because of violence in the area and had lost some of their equipment. But she said that the investment from the youngsters would go a far way in helping the club get back on its feet.
"We would like to donate these school supplies [stationery items], a 200-piece essential first aid kit, motivational stickers and award certificates. [They] should be used to encourage students to improve their work (and) do random acts of kindness," the sisters wrote.
Estrielda Taylor, who has served as principal of the early childhood institution for the past 50 years, told Career & Education that she was so overwhelmed by the gesture that she "would need a booklet" to express herself adequately.
"I don't know how to say thanks to him for what he has done for us," she said, referring to the girls' father who is a former student of Crescent Basic. "He has awoken us to life."