In a touching display of altruism and compassion, retired banker and CCRP member Mrs. Monica McNeil transformed her August 2024 birthday celebration into a meaningful act of service. Rather than receiving gifts, Mrs. McNeil invited friends and loved ones to contribute to a charitable cause.

Moved by the generosity of her friends, Mrs. McNeil matched the amount of J$179,000, bringing the total donation to J$358,000. The funds were donated to Food For The Poor to repair the roof of an elderly couple, Joyce Samuel and Everald Ebanks in Rocky Point, Clarendon, who were victims of Hurricane Beryl. 

Following the completion of the repair, Mrs McNeil remarked, “This was more than a birthday celebration—it was an opportunity to give back and uplift lives.” Noting the impact on the couple she said, “Helping someone in need felt like the perfect way to mark a milestone year.”

Food for the Poor expressed deep gratitude for the donation which enabled the vital home repair for the elderly couple, as they continue their mission to rebuild the homes of those who suffered great loss in the hurricane.

Mrs. McNeil’s gesture stands as a shining example of how individual acts of kindness can bring meaningful change, especially to those most affected by natural disasters.