These children use an umbrella to shelter from the rain last Saturday as they watch the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring and Food For the Poor rebuild Myrtle Myrie and her family's home. - Photo by Anthony Minott

ST. ANDREW:

For two years, Myrtle Myrie and her family have been without a roof over their heads since fire burnt down their house at lot 60 Whitehall Avenue, otherwise called '100 Lane', off Red Hills Road, in St Andrew in 2005. This had forced them to seek shelter at a family member's house.

However, last Saturday brought a new dawn for the Myries as a joint venture between Food For the Poor and the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring, through their 'Fire Victim Assistance Project', installed a pre-fabricated wood structure at the exact spot the fire occurred. The cost of the project is approximately $550,000 and includes material and labour.

Other sponsors include, Jaundann Chow Enterprise, and Walters Trucking and Equipment.

'Very good project'

Trevor Richards, president of the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring said "it was a very good project" undertaken by Food For the Poor and his club.

"It was excellent cooperation between the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring and Food For the Poor," said an excited Richards.

He went on to explain that the whole unit was up, and some fixtures are in place.

Furniture and landscaping of the yard in preparation for a small farm around the back were the additions still to be made.

"We gave them seeds to plant so they can reap their own crops," said Richards.

Tears of joy

According to the Kiwanis Club president, Food For the Poor played a significant role in making the project a reality, supplying the material and labour, while, the Kiwanians had the concrete foundation done. The Kiwanians, through donations will help to furnish the house.

"We have given them a settee and armchairs. They just need to find the rest," said Richards. We have given them a new start in life."

Tears of joy fell down Mrs. Myrie's face as she looked at her new house. She was at a loss for words.

"I am truly elated at this time, I appreciate what the Kiwanians and the Food For the Poor people have done for me and my family," she said.

-Anthony Minott