The Rotary Club of Tortola continues to promote better health among the male popluation by way of prostate screening. $5,000 was donated to the BVI Red Cross for this programme. Mrs Edris O'Neal is seen here receiving the cheque. Photo: VINO

The Autism Centre was given $7,669.95 for the purchase of playground equipment. Ms Lorna Dawson collected the cheque at the Rotary Club of Tortola's Luncheon Meeting on Thursday February 21, 2013. Photo:VINO

Ms. Jacinth Hannibal of Peebles Hospital received the cheque of $8,645.00 from President of the Rotary club of Tortola, Mr. Samuel Welch. Photo:VINO

On the receiving end were the BVI Red Cross, which got $5,000.00; the Autism Centre $7,669.95; and Peebles Hospital $8,645.00. The three cheques were handed over to a representative of each of the group at the Rotary Club of Tortola's Luncheon Meeting on February 21, 2013 at the Moorings.

According to the club’s president, Mr. Samuel Welch, the monies were given for specific projects identified by the institutions.

In the case of the BVI Red Cross, the monies are directed towards the Prostate Cancer Screening Programme as was promised. 

The screening for prostate cancer is an annual project of the Rotary Club of Tortola and, according to President Welch, is usually well attended. However, this year it was noted that the response to the service was lower than previous years, something he said they will have to work hard at improving next time around.

The Autism Centre received the donation as was promised some time ago by past President Mrs Lorna Smith. The centre was at the time considering to have a brand new building constructed. "But the government in their wisdom, utilised a section of the Rainbow Children's Home. The Autism Centre now in part of the building with the Rainbow Children's Home," said Mr Welch.

At the behest of the centre the Rotary Club is providing equipment to the centre to the value of $7,695.95 while there is also some monies to assist with upcoming training of persons involved with the centre.

The Obstetrics Unit of Peebles hospital was assisted with the acquisition of a cardiac monitor. Parts of the fund will ensure that staff of the hospital is properly trained for the effective use of the equipment. The funds were raised by Rotarian Chris Ghiorse PHF, after the untimely death of his infant son.

Mr Welch said that at the time Ghiorse was directly involved with the Maternity Unit of the hospital when they were successful in raising a considerable amount of money. "And there had been two funds that had been left dormant that are remnant of that and we utilised those funds that were collected by Rotary Club of Tortola to actually provide for this fetal heart monitor machine."