Kids First Fund (KFF) was the recipient of a $551,243 cheque from the Theatre Company and GEMS Theatre Productions.
The donation represents proceeds of a special performance of Link Show 25. The cheque was handed over to Varshnie Singh, head of the KFF on Monday by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento of GEMS and Ron Robinson of the Theatre Company in the presence of actors of the Link Show and parents.
A “very grateful” Singh pointed out that the money will “go a long way in realising the target of the balance from the recent trip to India”. Kids First Fund has to pay US$78,148 by December 27 and Singh said, “Kids First works hard…and tirelessly to raise money to pay our bills [and] the negative publicity hasn’t helped with our quest. It’s quite unfair and untrue.”
When questioned on the government’s announcement on settling the bill, Singh stated that her communications with the Frontier Lifeline Hospital accounts department confirmed that no payments have been made by the government. Singh further said that the “idea that they gave untold monies” was false and she made reference to an email between her and the hospital in India.
Meanwhile Robinson stated that the idea of performing for charity was first thought of by Nazim Hussain.
Robinson said they were very pleased with the work being done at the Kids First and decided that this charity would be the first beneficiary “because they deserved it”. Charitable donations from the proceeds of other Link Shows are expected to be a frequent feature.
