GRANVILLE, Trelawny — With bright smiles and hearts filled with love, a gift-bearing team from the western region of the National Water Commission (NWC) set out from Montego Bay to the Granville Child Care Facility in Trelawny recently to inspire hope and to touch the hearts of the approximately 60 females who reside at the home.

However, the typical approach would not suffice. The NWC team did not want only to bring gifts. This time, the team wanted to leave an indelible mark.

Apart from the gifts, the team brought a rich and inspiring message of self-love and healthy lifestyle during a presentation delivered by the company’s nurse, Dannett Black, who challenged the wards to love themselves and to think positively.

It was indeed, a meaningful presentation, which, owing to the interactive nature of the delivery, revealed some of the deepest feelings and challenges being experienced by the wards. The discussion also highlighted areas and opportunities for further engagement and outreach at the facility. Following the presentation, Black facilitated basic health and wellness checks.

“Even though it is hard and I am trying to make ends meet, I am compelled to make a contribution. The fact is, despite my hardships there are others who are less fortunate and I cannot forget that,” one of the NWC employees wrote.

In applauding the staff, NWC acting public relations manager Karen Williams noted that she was “touched by the outpouring of support for the initiative, especially given the financial challenges that we all face and the extra costs that persons generally incur during the holiday period”.

She further commended employees for what she termed their “sacrificial contribution”, which has helped to put a smile on the faces of the wards and enhance their lives.

And Keisha Shaw-Riley, manager at the Granville Child Care Facility, expressed appreciation for the gifts and lauded the NWC employees for the timely intervention.