FOR the last 45 years, the parish of Hanover has had a fairy godmother, called the Associated Hanover Charities, that has been there to fill the gaps and meet the needs of those who have nowhere else to turn.

Every year, since 1957, AHC has staged a fund-raising event, an elegant ball at the prestigious Round Hill Hotel. The funds raised are funnelled to more than 60 charities in the parish, as well as individuals and organisations in need.

Last year, AHC raised a record US$112,000. Beneficiaries included eight area schools whose remedial reading programmes were funded; churches, service clubs, health institutions, and two recipients of the Sandy Morris memorial scholarship.

“Hundreds and thousands of people have been helped over the years, schools, hospitals, individuals who need immediate assistance,” said AHC vice-chairman, Katrin Casserly. “For example, if a father dies and there are 10 children and the mother is jobless, we would chip in. Things like that which make a big difference.”

Requests for funding are carefully investigated and beneficiaries screened to ensure that the fund is not abused.

“Great emphasis is placed on credibility, feasibility and project justification and therefore on full accountability of allocated funds,” the AHC said in a recent release.

The organisation is a non-profit, charitable body that relies on donations from locals and visitors. It has become a part of the Round Hill Hotel, whose patrons are integrally involved in the project, and some of the parish’s crème de la crème sit on its board.

This year’s beneficiaries should receive their cheques by mid-year.

“By April we should know how much we made from the ball and then usually in July we have the cheque presentation ceremony, where we invite all the beneficiaries and hand out all the cheques to them,” Casserly said.