The Royal Bahamas Defence Force teamed up with Ms. Sally Van Tooren this morning (September 29) to donate a hefty supply of grocery items to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s Veterans Association.
Spearheaded by Captain Shawn Adderley, the handover took place onboard HMBS CORAL HARBOUR, where the items were handed directly to representatives of the Veteran’s Association Committee for further distribution. The committee led by their president, Retired Chief Petty Officer Harold Bosfield turned out in full support of the initiative and were happy to receive the items for the needy in their fold. In attendance were Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, and his Executive Command Team, as well as the Veterans Association Staff and Committee.
Sally Van Tooren, founder of the Family Help and Support Foundation—who is ably assisted by former RBDF Marine, Mr. Kasimo Ellis, was happy to make the donation personally from her own money and not from the Foundation. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has provided “consistent and loyal help in providing security to the (Family Help and Support Foundation) charity every week when we go out delivering food, water, and masks to the severely impoverished people living off the beaten track.”
The RBDF also used the opportunity to make financial donations to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Veteran’s Association and the registered Non-Profit Organization as an assertive stance in expressing gratitude to the Family Help and Support Foundation, even as that organization continues funding their own weekly food drive they began on 11th April, 2020.
Captain Adderley said he hoped the activity would reinforce “the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s continued support for the Veterans Association and their former comrades who have also been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.” Mr. Ellis expressed his gratitude to the Force for their meaningful contribution of security and manpower to the five-year-old Family Help and Support Foundation that became a fully registered charity some three months ago. He also sounded a clarion call for others to help with feeding the 100 families per week that have been impacted by economic shut downs.
“If you or your organization or someone you know is interested in helping us extend our reach, please contact us at our charity hotline at (242 421-2593) or at email at familyhelpfoundation7@gmail.com”, said Mr. Ellis.
President of the RBDF Veterans Association, Chief Petty Officer Bosfield along with his committee members expressed their thanks for the donations, which will go a long way in assisting other RBDF veterans
