The Clarendon Parish Council invited several friends of the Clarendon Infirmary to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the facility’s Activity Room on Friday (February 27). The Activity Room is an indoor-based facility which allows residents to participate in a range of occupational activities on weekdays.
Damion Campbell, the National Homeless Coordinator at the Board of Supervision (for the Relief of Poor in Jamaica) who was the event’s guest speaker encouraged the residents to get involved in the Room’s activities telling them they still have a valuable contribution to make.
“"Old age is not a disease; it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all challenges, disappointments and trials. All of you here should not think of old age as something bad, but something that is good because it says that you have been through a lot and still survive. It speaks to the blessings upon your lives" he told them.
An interesting fact he shared was that the Clarendon Infirmary is the largest government-ran facility of its kind outside of the Golden Age Home in Kingston. The facility currently houses 134 residents.
Mr. Campbell said he was pleased that the government-operated residential care facility was like a five-star hotel. "Perhaps we could call it a Five-Star Infirmary" he joked. Campbell continued, "The programmes implemented here speaks to community development, it speaks to the welfare of the citizens who are aged, it speaks to Vision 2030."
Custos of Clarendon The Honourable William Shagoury commended the residents for "doing something that is worthwhile" as well as the staff for the great work they have been doing with the residents over the years.
The Clarendon Parish Council used the opportunity to thank three of its long-standing benefactors-JAMALCO, The Anglican Brotherhood of St. Andrew Chapter 61 and Won by One to Jamaica Ministry for the support they have given to the Clarendon Infirmary over the years.
The residents’ participation in art and craft activities such as sewing, crocheting, knitting and cushion-making is guided by an Activity Director who is sponsored by one of the event’s awardees, Won by One to Jamaica Ministry.
The products of the Activity Room including pillow cases, cushions, doilies, hats and kitchen towels are currently on sale at the Clarendon Infirmary. Proceeds will be used to support the Infirmary’s activities.