Category Archives: Donations

Donation to Frontline Workers

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Staff at Hana Thomas Hospital (Barbuda) receiving protective gear from the GARD Center.

The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) donates surgical gowns and masks to Public Health Nurse Supervisor, in the East Area of Antigua, and Hana Thomas Hospital in Barbuda. Mr. John Mussington, GARD Center’s Board Member who resides in Barbuda made the presentation. To date, the Center has donated 40 masks and 16 gowns.  These gifts were made possible due to the generous donation of a Mill Reef Fund sponsored project in 2020, to train Beginners to sew.  During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center was able to offer a skill by training and/or retraining  some persons who were laid off.

In addition, another partner donated a large amount of Sterilization Wrap material to the Center for the construction of Facial Masks and Surgical Gowns. 

Many thanks to all of our generous donors who have made it possible for the Center to give back to the Frontline Workers in the Community.

Health care worker (Antigua) receiving protection gear from Mrs. June Jackson the Executive Director of the GARD Center


Executive Director Awarded Scholarship

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Recently our Executive Director Mrs. June Jackson received a paid scholarship for non-profit organizations. The scholarship gave recipients free access to a webinar that focused on fundraising activities such as grants, special events, in-kind donations and online fundraising . Mrs. Jackson attended the webinar and is very grateful for the opportunity that was given to her. Below is an image of the scholarship announcement and a screenshot from the webinar.

Facebook Announcement of Mrs. June Jackson being awarded the scholarship.
Screenshot of the Webinar hosted by Pastor Victoria Burse

Thank You to The Mill Reef Fund

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They are those that even in tough times they are there.
The Mill Reef Fund has shown their commitment in a time when the entire world is being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. During this time their support of initiatives at the GARD Center has continued and has helped many families in Antigua & Barbuda in their time of need. For this the GARD Center wishes to express its appreciation to the Mill Reef Fund for their continual care and support.

Single Mother’s Care Package Initiative

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GARD Center through its partnership and generous donation of the Mill Reef Fund continues distribution of its Single Mother’s Care Package initiative. On August 6th, 2020 fifty (50) mothers received their monthly packages as volunteers of the Center worked the day before to ensure the packages are ready for collection. These packages included the basic food items and necessities to provide for themselves and their children after becoming unemployed by the COVID -19 pandemic.

The expression of sentiments and the appreciative look on the faces of these mothers was heartwarming. Through the words of one of the mothers who wishes Mill Reef Fund to know how grateful they are said, “You made a huge impact on my life and that of my family in this very difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Once again GARD Center Staff and Board of Directors express thanks to the Mill Reef Fund for their continued support, donation, and empowerment as we assist our Youth, men and Women in Antigua and Barbuda.

Press Release:Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects

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The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) receives grant funding from its partner the Government of Japan, through its Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, at a Signing Ceremony on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Gilbert Agro-Heritage Nature Center, Mercers Creek.

We are pleased to announce that the amount of this funding is USD$89,629 through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) under the 2019 financial year.

Once again “Thank You” to the Embassy of Japan, for its mandate to help in building the hospitality industry through training for the vulnerable youth in Antigua and Barbuda.

4th Annual GARD Center’s Farm to Table

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The 4th Annual GARD Center’s Farm to Table Benefit Luncheon once again drew a wide diverse crowd of persons from children to proud senior citizens of 90 years old. The food this year was definitely a winner amongst everyone from a sweet spiced Sorrel Mimosa welcome drink ,to a nutty-gin cream soup, nopal salad, roasted leg of pork with pineapple cilantro sauce, stuffed chicken breasts with plantain mousse and rosemary sauce, marlin or lobster kebab, anti –pasta lasagna, assorted breads to name a few. To complete this mouth watering three course meal, goat cheese tarts, spicy chocolate samosa and sweet potato donuts. Does this not entice you to come next year?
All of this could not have been achieved without the many wonderful partners who share the mission of the GARD Center to touch the lives of our vulnerable youth in this Nation through holistic technical and life skills training programs and services. The GARD Center is indebted to the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation as the Premier Sponsors, Agricultural Producers, the Agricultural Extension Division, Fisheries Division, Goddard Catering who led a team of chefs from Jumby Bay Resort, Carlisle Bay, Curtain Bluff, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Flavas Restaurant. And of course the Patrons of this event His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams and the more than 280 guests who supported the luncheon, a sincere thank you.

 

 

 

 

Jumby Bay Island Company Ltd Donates to GARD Center

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The GARD Center trainees are beaming at their new bus shed that will protect them from the elements as they wait for their transportation after classes. They are also very proud that they volunteered to participate in its construction thanks to the technical team from the Jumby Bay Island Company Ltd who taught the youth some basic skills in masonry and carpentry. Many thanks to Jumby Bay for donating staff and materials it was truly appreciated by the GARD Center staff and trainees. A special thank you is also extended to Antigua Plumbing and Hardware, VEG International and Argos Cement for their contribution in building materials as well.

The GARD Center in partnership with the European Commission continues in a two year project to provide quality and trend setting training for vulnerable youth, preparing them for the workforce and/or business development, emphasizing life skills, remedial math and English and computer literacy.