A woman inviting drug addicts home for breakfast?It could be a disaster in the making however nurse Linda Russell has been helping some of the most desperate people in her neighbourhood for many years.She was honoured for her efforts recently by the Eliza Dolittle Society, a charity that helps the poor.The group presented her with an ‘I Care for a Neighbour’ (ICAN) award, calling Mrs Russell a woman of “amazing strength and determination”.“This year’s ICAN award is being presented to a woman who has always been a firm believer in giving flowers to others whilst they can appreciate them,” said Francine Mason, treasurer of the Eliza DoLittle Society. “It is therefore our pleasure to share with you, some of the attributes of Linda Russell that we feel are deserving of the Eliza DoLittle Society’s ICAN award.“Linda Russell is a woman of amazing strength and determination who maintains an air of positive energy. She is a devout Christian and a faithful member of her church family. She has been married to Rennard Russell for 22 years and is a retired nurse.”Mrs Mason said the ICAN award was being presented in recognition of Mrs Russell’s humble service to the community.“No matter where she has lived on the Island, she has tirelessly assisted those in need,” said Mrs Mason. “For example, while living in North Hamilton, she would prepare soup in individual parcels and go out to the men and women living on the streets and huddling in corners to ensure that they had something hot in their stomachs.“She didn’t stop there, she regularly invited drug addicts living in a derelict building not far from her home to come in, shower and cook a meal in her kitchen.”Mrs Mason said Mrs Russell visited every home in her neighbourhood when she moved in, introducing herself and her husband. She offered assistance to each parent in cooking meals for families so that they would be prepared when they came home in the evenings, and she also offered to care for their children until the parents returned from work many held two or three jobs to make ends meet.“Laundering facilities from their home were also available and utilised by those who did not have the resources,” said Mrs Mason. “The many children living nearby quickly gravitated to their home, especially when word would spread that there were freshly made dumplings or coconut cakes to be enjoyed.“Quite soon she recognised the opportunity to serve these families by preparing meals for the children on Friday evenings before arranging transport for them to a youth programme at her church. The number of children averaged seven to ten weekly and often has gone up to 20.”In recent months, Mrs Russell has spent time assisting other senior citizens who are experiencing health issues.She helps them with transport issues and helps them research and select health care programmes.Not long ago a friend and fellow nurse called with news that she was terminally ill overseas, and invited Mrs Russell to her funeral. The nurse flatly refused and said: “I don’t want to come to your funeral. I’m coming while you are alive.”She immediately booked a flight to visit and shared moments of laughter and friendship whilst each of them could appreciate the flowers.