Tara Nunes, WLI finance co-chair and assistant vice-president of sales and investment services at Pan Caribbean Financial Services Limited, the major sponsor of the dinner, and former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Sue Cobb, interacting with the children at VOUCH in Kingston Gardens. - Contributed photos

Spontaneous giving by patrons attending the recent dinner of the Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) will ensure that some of the nation's sick children will experience the joys of Christmas this year.

Having learnt that Christmas supplies intended for children cared for by the charity, Mustard Seed Communities, were stolen, WLI president Pat Ramsay immediately started soliciting donations to bring Yuletide cheer for these youngsters.

"I can't express enough gratitude to those who unhesistantly offered their help," said Mrs. Ramsay. Included in the pledges she secured from dinner guests were assistance with the roofing and toilets for the Mustard Seed Communities.

Bold action for a change

Sue Cobb, former United States Ambassador to Jamaica, was the guest speaker at the dinner and one of the movers for the formation of the WLI. She called for for bold action by national leaders, policymakers and individuals in order to achieve ne in the current era of change.

"There is no definition of a successful life that does not include service to other," declared Ambassador Cobb, as she stressed the need for individuals to maximise their potential, especially through access to education.

In a speech which earned her a standing ovation, Ambassador Cobb said: "As you think about how you are personally going to maximise your potential, how you are going to help your family, your community and your nation - how in the words of the National Anthem - you will 'Stir response to duty's call', I recommend that whatever you conclude you can do to add value in your society, that you do not undertake it with timidity. You must be bold and dare to do it."

The WLI leadership invited Ambassador Cobb to tour the VOUCH facilities in Kingston Gardens where bold initiatives have been taken by WLI to assist in the care of nearly 100 inner-city children. Ambassador Cobb said she was impressed with the progress being made at VOUCH.

Mrs. Pat Ramsay showing Sue Cobb the damage to the roofing at VOUCH in Kingston Gardens.