My brother’s keeper
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Wednesday’s story about the surge in demand for food from needy families illustrates the harrowing effects of the recession.
But it also demonstrates just how generous Bermudians can be, and that they recognise that they are their brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.
A story last week about how St Augustine’s church in Pembroke had run out of a month; s worth of food vouchers in days, and had also emptied its own storeroom, was met with a remarkable and immediate response as money and food poured in.
Similarly, the Salvation Army is confident it will reach its fundraising goal of $1 million this year, even though that target is far higher than previous goals.
Other programmes have been met with similar generosity, including the “Toys for Tots” scheme put on by Coldwell Banker, which again has seen increased demand.
This is heartening, especially in the Christmas season. Even though many people are struggling, they are still prepared to give and to help those who are less fortunate.
But it is important that this generosity not end on December 25, because the hardship and suffering certainly will not.
Bermuda is experiencing real unemployment for the first time in decades, and even those who are working have seen wages and working hours reduced.
The answer to poverty and hardship is to get the economy moving again and to generate economic activity and jobs.
That will not happen overnight, but it is vitally important that it start. Some measures that have been put in place will help, but more needs to be done.
Until then, Bermudians need to be caring and innovative, and must pull together to get through this crisis.
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Published Dec 9, 2011 at 8:41 am (Updated Dec 9, 2011 at 8:38 am)