THE SIMPLY HELP FOUNDATION FACILITATED THE DONATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

Taking a meaningful step toward supporting vulnerable communities, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment recently received a donation of 1,000 pairs of shoes from the Simply Help Foundation, facilitated through the Embassy of the Republic of China, Taiwan. The shipment, aimed at providing essential support to vulnerable individuals, underscores the ongoing collaboration between Saint Lucia and Taiwan in advancing social welfare initiatives.

In a brief handover ceremony, Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan to Saint Lucia, Her Excellency, Nicole Su, officially presented the donation to Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Hon. Joachim Henry, highlighting Taiwan’s longstanding friendship and partnership with Saint Lucia and emphasizing that the contribution is another step in their shared mission of social empowerment.

“The foundation aims to assist the underprivileged children, individuals and households to gain a better quality of life. As a partner of this goodwill operation, the Government of the Republic of China, Taiwan began our collaboration with the foundation and has been assisting the sea freight so these goods could be coming here to Saint Lucia. Through the kind assistance of the Ministry of Equity in the past two years, 3 twenty-foot containers of clothes shoe toys, and daily essentials have been handed over.”

Minister Henry expressed gratitude for the timely donation, referencing the classic gospel hymn ‘Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me’ to illustrate the impact of such acts of kindness.

"In the refrain it says ‘There's a roof up above me, I have a good place to sleep, there’s food on my table and shoes on my feet, you gave me your love Lord and a fine family, thank you Lord for your blessings on me.’ In the words of this song captures the essence, of social protection, it captures our strength captures everything we are and of course, it captures what we’re doing here today in receiving shoes because many years ago some people found reason to say thank God for shoes on my feet.”

The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment remains dedicated to ensuring that the donation reaches individuals and families facing economic hardships, as it continues its broader mission to provide social support and upliftment.