THE Free Town Foundation — outreach arm of the Miracle Tabernacle Free Town Church of God of Prophecy — will be hosting a health and wellness fair and a back-to-school event on August 18 on the church grounds.

Last year, despite the provision of almost 200 backpacks and school supplies, many were turned away empty-handed, but according to chairman of the foundation Dr Sylvanus Thompson, the goal this year is to have 300 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Thompson, who resides in Toronto, Canada, and hails from the community of Victoria in Clarendon, has been involved outreach “forever”. Commenting on the upcoming event he said he is hoping members of the Diaspora will come on board and help to even surpass his expectations.

“It’s been a challenging year for a lot of parents, and not having to worry about every little school detail would prove to be a good break for them,” he shared.

He said it will be on the same day when a health fair will be taking place that will see students receiving free medicals and eye screening. Adults, too, will enjoy the services of doctors and other medical teams who will be present.

Thompson said there is even more good news for students as they are hoping to grant at least 10 scholarships.

“It could be more if we receive support from members of the Diaspora, and even those from home,” he noted.

The Free Town Foundation (formerly Free Town Church of God of Prophecy Outreach Foundation) has been impacting lives in Free Town and the surrounding areas of Bodles, Cockpit, Sandy Bay, Old Harbour and Rose Hall for over 20 years through programmes such as children’s treats, welfare, and for the past three years hosting a two-in-one event — treating the children and providing almost 200 care packages to adults during the Christmas season.

Chair of the Programmes Committee Opal Thompson, who resides in New York, said she was drawn to the foundation after seeing just how much the outreach meant to those who were benefiting.

“I am excited and I am hoping a fund-raiser that we are hosting at Canarsie Park in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17 will be well supported as all the proceeds will be going towards scholarships and offsetting expenses for the event,” she said.