A little heart for big things

BY TARA-KAYE SALMON

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

IT'S school time again, and while most of us are thinking of the right shoes to wear and how our uniforms will fit, Sara Loshusan is concerned about how the children of her community are going to look and how best she can help them to succeed in the upcoming academic year.

Last Wednesday, the conference room of the Michi Supermarket had an overwhelmingly charitable atmosphere as Sara handed out school bags and sponsorship amongst other treats.

Loshusan is a 17-year-old student of Hotchkin University, Wisconsin, who attended Immaculate Conception high school and The American School. Her passion for charity did not begin with the Panacea Foundation, (which was formed in March, but started giving back this summer), it began as early as her time at Immaculate Preparatory.

After a recent visit to Africa, which reminded her of Jamaica, she reflected on the numerous opportunities she received and believed others should be able to get a chance to experience life as she does.

The idea to help the children of her community started a few years ago when a group of her friends decided they would help her to give back. However, most of her friends did not keep to it.

"This did not discourage me," she says, "my mother has always told me to finish whatever I start", and that's exactly what she did.

Loshusan started the foundation, and with the help of the Boulevard Baptist Church and Earl Bolt from the Kencott district, the children that were to benefit were selected. The funds were collected by her, and after seeing her dedication Michi and Lerner Shop donated book-bags and other school supplies.

Twelve children from Pembrook Hall High School and Dunrobin Preparatory among other schools received $6,000 each towards their school fees. They also received book-bags and school shoes. But the giveaways didn't end there.

Loshusan got members of the Ashe group to perform for the children, who were inspired by encouraging words of the song I Believe by Fantasia Barrino. Panacea has pledged to support a selected few from the Standpipe community and also the breakfast programme at St Georges College.

In seven years, Panacea hopes to be helping more persons in the community, Sara says "it is totally worth making it work, and hearing feedback reminds me that a little can make a big difference".

Panacea pledges to continue helping these children and shine a beacon of light on Jamaica, proving there is hope for the generations to come.

Did you watch American football's Super Bowl on Sunday?
	Yes, but just for the advertisements
	Yes, just for the game itself
	Yes, for both the game and advertisements
	No, I did not watch the Super Bowl.

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A little heart for big things