Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Mustard Seed Communities operated Blessed Assurance Home for Children with Disabilities, in Moore Park, St. James, received a boost on Wednesday with the donation of a much-needed cheque for $100,000, as well as a 400-gallon water tank.

Edmund Bartlett, the Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for East Central St. James, the constituency in which the children'shome falls, made the donations. He said specifically that the money was a contribution from the Bartlett family and was the first such donation to come from the Lisa Bartlett Healthcare Fund, set up in memory of his late daughter.

The fund was established 10 years ago, after Lisa's death from a rear type of cystic fibrosis. Her death followed a prolonged battle with the disease.

In memory of

"This is in memory of our only daughter, who was a model child. She fought for 23 courageous years. Despite her illness, she did very well in academics, locally and abroad, while constantly travelling to Miami for treatment," Bartlett said, as he handed over the cheque.

He said it was the hope of his family that the donation would help in some way to preserve some lives and commended the Mustard Seed Community and the Catholic Church for their insight in caring for needy and helpless children.

Roy Sanford, manager of Bles-sed Assurance, said Mustard Seed deemed it a privilege to have been considered the first recipient of the Lisa Bartlett Fund.

Blessed Assurance commenced operations in Moore Park in March this year, providing housing and health care for children with acute mental and physical disabilities.

There are currently 11 boys and girls being housed in eight cottages, with plans to increase the number to 60, when phase two of the project is completed.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com