Police liven things up at Sr. Cecilia Home
‘Tis the season for sharing and today members of the Belize Police Department did just that when they stopped by the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly in Belize City. For the senior citizens who were strong and well enough to socialise, the officers spent time serving food and singing karaoke with residents and staff. Even those like one hundred and four year old Viola Myles, who were a bit under the weather, were still encouraged by the visit. The effort is one that the Police Department has made into a tradition.
Inspector Diana Hall, O.C., Community Policing, Belize District
“You know that the elderly have assisted in the development of our country and quite often they are left neglected and we just want to share some love this Christmas. It’s the fourth year we’re here and I think they look forward to it.”
Marion Ali
“So you all brought gifts and food?”
Insp. Diana Hall
“We brought food items for the staff and we are going to do some karaoke and dancing with them later on.”
Marion Ali
“This is a yearly thing?”
Insp. Diana Hall
“Yes, fourth year, so they look forward for us.”
Marion Ali
“This also boosts the image of the department.”
Insp. Diana Hall
“Yes, this is one of our community projects for the Christmas. On Friday we will be distributing toys and groceries to the needy.”
Rose Armstrong, Supervisor, Sr. Cecilia Home for the Elderly
“Around this time of the year we usually have the policemen, a part of them would come in and spend some time with the residents, help serve food to them and bring some donation of food stuffs and so on for them, spend some time with them dancing, singing, karaoke and so on. It’s for the Christmas season you know, give them some cheers.”
Marion Ali
“What does this do for the elderly?”
Rose Armstrong
“I think it does a lot for them because they are always happy to know that somebody out there cares for them. And they love music, they love dancing, I think it reminds them of the days they used to do it themselves. A lot of them cannot dance like before due to illnesses, but they still enjoy the music.”
Currently there are fifty-one residents at the Sister Cecilia Home. It receives its funding from government and private contributions and is run by Helpage Belize.
