Visiting Methodists repair Children?s Home

It is an institution that is no stranger to publicity… particularly as the recipient of donations. But this week the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre–often called the Children’s Home–is getting the kind of help that means a lot more than the handing over of a cheque.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The Dorothy Menzies Child Day Care Centre on any given day provides shelter for about fifty boys and girls. The young residents not only keep the staff busy, but the building itself suffers constant wear and tear. Today, thanks to a team of visiting Methodists from the United States, the centre is receiving a facelift.

Despite the hot and humid weather, these men and women have been working long hours painting, cleaning, and redecorating.

Dorothy Menzies, Chair, Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre
?These are incredible people who have volunteered to come here at their own expense, they are paying their own money, and it?s very extraordinary and like a miracle for the Child Care Centre.?

The volunteers have not only decided to fully paint the home, but the bathrooms and bedrooms are being remodelled. The children will also receive individual packages of clothing and other supplies. According to Chairperson Dorothy Menzies, the work actually started nine months ago after they were approached by a concerned individual, Rita Forbes, who asked how she could help.

Dorothy Menzies
?They came and went through the building from top to bottom and made notes of what they thought was necessary and I didn?t hear anymore. Then she told me a little while back that, you know I have a church group that have agreed to come. They are going to use their vacation and they are going to come and they are going to do all this stuff. And so we?ve kept in touch and the whole thing has finally come to fruition now.?

In just five days, the group?s work is almost complete.

Rita Forbes, Donor
?Children, loved by God, need to be appreciated, need to know they are loved on an individual basis and that?s why we?re here today, just to share that with them.?

The over two dozen volunteers not only paid their own travelling expenses to Belize, but used their vacation time to get the job done. The group is scheduled to leave the country on Thursday. Jacqueline Woods for News Five.