Roleen Alexander, 48, and her grandson, Shemmar Simon could not afford anything special for Christmas but the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sport Club (RHTYSC) has ensured that they will have a bright New Year’s day.
After reading the article published on Christmas Day in the Stabroek News about Roleen’s plight, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the club, Hilbert Foster decided to assist them.
On Thursday, a quantity of food items, toys, school supplies, clothing and other items were handed over to Roleen.
The child was also presented with cricket gear so that he can get involved in sport in his area from an early age.
Life had always been a struggle for Roleen, 48, and when her son-in-law, Anderson Nicholson murdered her daughter, Trevlyn Kingston-Nicholson on October 14, 2008, her situation became worse.
The man also dealt Roleen serious injuries. Her fingers on her left hand were punctured with a fork and she suffered chops to her forehead with a chopper.
Her fingers have been left permanently immobile and she is unable to do much. She still suffers pain in her forehead at times. She is also taking care of Trevlyn’s son, Shemmar Simon, 10.
In the article it was mentioned that she took the child into a store and when he asked for a toy she told him she could not afford to buy it. Foster said he was “touched” after reading that.
He sent out a “message to fathers to look after your children… To kill a child’s mother is perhaps the worst crime that could ever happen.”
He extended belated Christmas greetings to the woman and child and hoped that they “have a better New Year” because of the RHTYSC.
Foster said he would always be willing to assist and made a commitment to include them in the club’s budget for next year. He would also ensure that the child receives the necessary school items.
The handing over was made possible through the club’s cricket teams: the Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division as well as the Metro Female team.
He said it was “one of thousands that we do every year but this one is extra special because of the problems that they are facing.”
