The Red Cross Convalescent Home for Children yesterday unveiled its newly restored building during a ceremony marking the completion of a $60 million renovation project.
The extensive restoration was spearheaded by the Georgetown Rotary Club in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which provided 90 per cent of the funding.
Dorothy Fraser of the Guyana Red Cross Society, emphasised the importance of the long-overdue project in ensuring the comfort and well-being of the children.
The initiative was driven by former Georgetown Rotary Club president Sheldon Hazelwood, who identified the need for renovations even before taking office in July 2022. “This has been a priority for many years. While we’ve supported the home with donations and smaller interventions, the building itself needed urgent attention,” Hazelwood said during the ceremony.
The project began in April 2023 after months of planning and collaboration. The first phase included significant upgrades to the annex, roof, kitchen, and dormitory. Hazelwood outlined the comprehensive work done, including the installation of new bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and ceilings, as well as the replacement of an old water tank system with a new trestle and tanks to ensure adequate water supply.
“This restoration wasn’t just about aesthetics,” Hazelwood said. “It was about creating a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for the children.”
Additional work included repainting, window repairs, and structural improvements to ensure the building’s integrity. While most of the major renovations have been completed, Hazelwood noted that minor tasks, such as installing wall fans and completing the trestle, are expected to wrapped up by mid-December.
The restored facility now offers expanded spaces and improved amenities, which Hazelwood said opens new possibilities for its use by both the children and the wider community.
The Red Cross Convalescent Home provides essential care for vulnerable children, and the renovations aim to enhance the quality of services offered at the facility.
Fraser expressed gratitude for the support that made the project possible and highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining such facilities.
“It is difficult to maintain buildings of this sort on what would be considered limited budgets. And in Guyana, as in many countries, people believe the International Red Cross takes care of the local chapters. That is not the case,” Fraser explained.
She acknowledged the incomplete aspects of the renovation and the need for additional work in the yard to create a safe play space for children. “We’re conscious that not everything is quite complete, and while we want to do more, certain fixes are needed before the children can fully enjoy the outdoor space.”
She emphasised the importance of community involvement in sustaining such initiatives. “We’re grateful to have things back in place and to see so much progress. This restoration is a testament to what can be achieved when partners come together for a common cause.”
