The Grenada Association of Retired Persons (GARP) was the welcome beneficiary of a donation of EC$26, 882, awarded through the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) from Chancellor Charles Modica on behalf of his mother, Marion Modica.
The donation was presented at WINDREF’s office at the St George’s University Campus in True Blue. Beaming as she accepted the cheque from Chancellor Modica, Carol Vazquez said, “GARP could not operate without donations and this is the largest single gift that we have ever received. The timing is the best Christmas present and we are so thankful to Mrs Modica for her wonderful support for Grenada’s seniors.”
GARP was established in 2010 to deliver high-quality services and programs that meet the need of its members whilst advocating for the well-being of all older persons in Grenada. It provides activities and classes at the GARP Welcome Centre on Kirani James Boulevard, and outreach services across Grenada, such as health clinics, which are open to all seniors. One example of GARP’s outreach work is its free diabetic clinics, held in St George’s, Gouyave and Grenville. Staffed by SGU students and volunteer doctors, in 2018 the clinics were attended by over 400 seniors.
Describing the impact that the donation will have on GARP’s work, Vazquez explained, “This donation will ensure that we are able to achieve one of our key goals for 2019, which is to improve and extend the outreach services that GARP can offer to seniors across the nation. It is a sincere endorsement of our work and a gift that will keep giving over the next year.”
Vazquez noted that 2018 had been a year of tremendous growth and development for GARP. “We are now recognised locally, regionally and internationally as the leading organisation to provide services and advocacy for the seniors of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”
GARP