The Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD) will be able to purchase wheelchairs for children with special needs as a result of a donation from the staff of RF Bank & Trust. Each year, RF staff contribute to a charity fund and the amount raised is matched by the company. The staff then vote on the charities or causes they wish to support. As one of the charities selected for the year 2021, BAPD received a donation of $4,000.
Established in 1973, BAPD exists to provide assistance for children and youth with special needs. Among the services the organization provides are free daycare facilities inclusive of breakfast, lunch and snacks, special education, physical therapy and computer skills training. The organization relies on entities like the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Services, along with individual and corporate sponsorships to offer its services free of charge.
“As one could imagine, having a child with a disability can be taxing financially, physically, mentally and emotionally,” said BAPD President, Charlotte Albury. “We are happy to ease this burden by providing a safe place for special needs children where they can get the assistance they need to be able to reach their fullest potential. We are so grateful for the support of corporate citizens like RF Bank & Trust who help us to care for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
David Slatter, RF Vice President of Investments and Donations Committee member, encouraged other companies and individuals to support BAPD. “It is inspiring to learn the stories of some of the children enrolled at BAPD and how they continue to thrive despite their challenges,” he said. “The support of the wider community, has had a significant impact on creating these success stories, whether it is through donating finances to subsidize operational and intervention costs or where persons have volunteered their time. Both can help to create better outcomes for children with special needs. The management and staff of RF are happy to support this worthy cause and encourage other coportate citizens to consider doing the same.”
While RF has assisted BAPD to purchase much needed wheelchairs, the organization also has other pressing needs including a wheelchair accessible bus, and funds to make needed repairs to the building. For more information or to make a donation, contact the organization at 322-2393.
