The spotlight was turned on two modest Caymanians for their selfless community work Monday at the Wharf Restaurant.
Special friends of the elderly and youth in their communities, Alice Jackson and Susan Whittaker were recognised by FirstCaribbean International Bank as this year’s Unsung Heroes.
2006 Unsung Heroes Alice Jackson, left, and Susan Whittaker. Photo: Jewel Levy |
The heroes programme rewards helpful, inspirational and imaginative people who in their own way think and act innovatively about how they can make a difference without thought of praise or reward.
‘One thing about community work, if it is not from the heart it is not worth doing,’ said Ms Jackson, who grew up in West Bay. ‘The rewarding part is a job well done and knowing you have helped someone.
‘From a very tender age all I wanted to do was to help people in the community.
‘I remember doing a survey and finding the biggest need in the community was dealing with the loneliness suffered by older citizens. They just wanted to know that someone cared and took time to visit and chat with them,’ she said.
An assistant social worker with the Young Parenting Programme, Ms Jackson has made significant contributions to the community, mentoring young mothers, providing financial assistance, helping out at church and regularly visiting the sick and shut-ins within her community.
Ms Jackson also takes care of a young boy whose mother is a drug addict. For the past 12 years she has provided him with physical, moral and financial support.
Susan Whittaker from George Town has worked at the Lighthouse School with special needs kids for more than 15 years.
Ms Whittaker is also a Girls Brigade leader, a Sunday school teacher, coach for Special Olympics, summer camp volunteer and an after school programme leader.
She also takes youngsters to her home to help with homework, to the movies, to church and on trips abroad when parents cannot afford it.
‘I love children, I grew up with a lot of family around me and it gives me so much pleasure to see them happy. Because of this I show them lots of affection, teach them right from wrong, and instil good moral values,’ said Ms Whittaker.
‘As a bank that is committed to nurturing our society, we sincerely thank them for reaching out to others and doing their part to make our community a better place,’ said Elvis Coward FirstCaribbean Bank Unsung Heroes coordinator.
FirstCaribbean International Bank first launched the Unsung Heroes programme in 2003; the aim was to be a strong corporate partner that recognised the importance of celebrating the best of humanity.
The programme operates both on a local and a regional level. The names of the local finalists are submitted to a regional panel, where a regional hero and two runners up will be chosen from the names submitted throughout the region.
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