PORT MARIA, St Mary — It was more than just about improving the appearance of the St Mary Infirmary yesterday when scores of volunteers turned out to assist in refurbishing the facility — the National Labour Day project.

The day saw representatives of various organisations and community members turning out at the Port Maria residence to offer their service.

While the primary objective was to improve the look of the over 100-year-old infirmary, at least one group focused on pampering its residents. Students from the Middlesex School of Cosmetology in Boscobel in the parish offered pedicures, manicures and facial treatments to the over 80 residents.

Sharalee Fullerton, cosmetology instructor at the school, told Jamaica Observer that her students were quite elated to pamper residents.

“We offered to do pedicure, manicure, basic facials and also hairstyling for the residents here at the infirmary,” she pointed out.

She said when the school was approached by the Social Development Commission (SDC) to participate in the activities, she did not hesitate as it meant giving back to the community.

“I was a bit worried, though, because the students got holidays and most students wanted to enjoy their holidays so I was wondering if they would be willing to assist. When I asked, all of them said they would be willing. The amount that came today, I am really overwhelmed,” she added.

“It feels good giving back to the community, it feels really good. Many of the residents here, they don’t have anyone giving them manicure and pedicure so I know it feels good for them, as well, to be taken care of,” she added.

Meanwhile, teams from the Ministry of Youth and Culture and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development — led by Minister Lisa Hanna and State Minister Colin Fagan, respectively — joined the large number of volunteers beautifying the facility.

Representatives from the St Mary Parish Council and SDC worked with the officials from both ministries to ensure that everything went according to plan, Fagan told the Observer.

The day, he said, was a success. “It has been very good,” he beamed.

Hanna, meanwhile, said her mission was to get young people involved in the project, as it was important for them to understand the importance of service and giving back to community.

“It is good to see that we are also preserving our heritage site. It is good to see that we are taking care of our history and it is good to see that we are not allowing the elements to really destroy it and going forward it will be protected,” she added.

In the meantime, the engineering team from the Jamaica Defence Force led other groups in carrying out structural work at the facility.

Also participating in the day’s activities were teams from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the Jamaica Constabulary Force as well as the Jamaica Fire Brigade. Members of the community, private sector, and churches also turned out for the big day.

Among the activities undertaken were the painting and fixing of several sections of the facility. The groups also planted a vegetable garden. Another significant improvement to the infirmary was the installation of solar water heaters.