Returned Belizean helps out homeless

Good Samaritans come in all shapes, sizes and ages and are found in many different locales. Today, News Five’s Jose Sanchez found one on a busy Belize City intersection.

Perhaps you have noticed a rather large trailer by the Pound Yard Bridge filled with clothing for sale. Its owner is a Belizean American who has come home to spend his remaining years. He prefers to be called by his nickname “Terry”, and what’s interesting about him is that his small contribution to the Raymond Parks Night Shelter makes a big difference in the lives of at least twenty people.

Terry, Good Samaritan

“I came from L.A. with the mind to retire and I just feel that I should do something for my country after I’ve been away thirty something years. So I was just thinking of helping somebody and the Salvation Army just came to my mind so I did. I decided to just go over there and talk to the people. They told me that they really need the help, so I went there and volunteered to help them. But what really got to me was when they told me that they only feed them two meals a day. So I said what happen to the people them? What happened to the midday meals? They said well, they don’t get that. Sometimes they send them out during what would have been mealtime and sometimes when they come back they would hustle nothing. They said, “Well, they stay hungry.” and that really got to me. So I told them to give me a list and I pick up the slack and I help them out and at least help them with the middle meal.”

Geraldine Audinett is paid to wash clothes at the shelter but after Terry came along wanting to help, she volunteered to cook the midday meals.

Geraldine Audinett

“Well, before the gentleman came along, we only used to give breakfast and supper. It has been good since we’re giving lunch thanks to this special man came around and give a donation to the shelter. Right now it’s about twenty-four people from the shelter having their lunch so others can come around and to do the same. It’s very good.”

The donations improve the conditions for the less fortunate but there are still a few things that the public can do to assist. The employees would normally use three washing machines to clean the clothing of the elderly and homeless but only one of them is working. So Terry is hoping that his deed will inspire others to be good Samaritans.

Terry

“I wish some other businessmen would put it into consideration and help the people them, especially with the food because everybody has to eat that’s the only way we can survive.”

This afternoon the shelter received a call from businessman Santino Castillo who promised to send over his service technician tomorrow morning to replace broken parts and repair the washing machines, free of charge.