The Minto Family Foundation held its annual back-to-school fair in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine, on Monday, bringing smiles and much-needed help to students preparing for the new academic year.

In addition to books, school bags, and other essential supplies the family provided scholarships to two university students, each worth $75,000.

Parents and Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Eastern Robert Miller praised the family for their philanthropy and commitment to their home community.

“This is the community that they are from, and they always ensure that the children are equipped with school supplies, with medicals, barbering, and so forth. They are playing their part in the community,” Miller said.

Noting that in addition to school supplies, the family donated cash prizes and a wheelchair to a child, Miller said, “We want to thank them for their gesture and what they have done every year in ensuring that the kids are equipped.

“I try to assist as best as possible and I will continue to support this venture,” he added.

Shauna-Kay Duhaney beamed with joy at her daughter’s receipt of a scholarship.

“I feel really good. I am very proud of her. I never expected her to get this scholarship, but I am really proud of her. This will help, it will go a far way. She will be going into grade five and so this scholarship will surely help along the way,” she said and expressed gratitude to the Mintos.

A mother of one of the scholarship recipients, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her sincere appreciation for the gesture.

“We are very appreciative and we are thankful to the Minto family for what they are doing for the community,” she said.

“They are giving back to the children and families within the community, and it really shows how much they love not only Waterford but everyone within the surrounding area,” the mother said, pointing out that people from other communities also benefit from the event.

Paula Minto, who heads the foundation, said the back-to-school fair has always given her joy and satisfaction.

“What drives me to keep on doing this is the kids. My heart is so big for these kids; I just love them,” she said.

In the meantime, Dentist Andrea Watson from New York, who has been part of the initiative for four years, again provided dental care services to the children.

Dr Watson, a past president of the Kiwanis Rosedale Laurelton in New York, also donated scholarships to four deserving students, each valued at $15,000.

“I know it is very challenging for parents to find funds for their children’s back-to-school expenses. As someone who grew up in Jamaica and faced similar challenges, I decided to volunteer and provide scholarships to help alleviate some of that burden,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

A barber, also in his fourth year with the group, offered his services as well.

“The outcome is getting bigger and bigger every year, which makes me want to work harder to get more people to sponsor this event. The more we get, the more we can give,” said Minto.

Minto Family Foundation President Paula Minto presents school supplies to (from left) Tadady Edwards, Chole Scott, and Jleigh Ramsay at the foundation’s annual back-to-school fair in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine, on Monday. (Photos: Garfield Robinson)

Eight-year-old Kamoy Williams from St Thomas is happy after receiving a wheelchair from Paula Minto, president of the Minto Family Foundation, at the group’s annual back-to-school fair in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine, on Monday.

University student Britney McDonald (centre) is presented with a scholarship by Robert Miller, Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Eastern, and Paula Minto, president of the Minto Family Foundation, at the group’s annual back-to-school fair in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine, on Monday.

Dentist Dr Andrea Watson, past president of Kiwanis Rosedale Laurelton New York, hugs her scholarship recipients Whitney White (left) and Rafinha Bartley, both Waterford Primary School students, at the Minto Family Foundation’s annual back-to-school fair in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine, on Monday.

Rafinha Bartley from Gregory Park, St Catherine, bites into a hot dog at this year’s Minto Family Foundation back-to-school fair in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine.