RPB: Lift each other up!

“WE have to lift each other up.”

These words from cultural ambassador and patron of the Red Foundation Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire as he completed the fourth and final leg of the Foundation’s “Walk the Talk – Walk as One” from Lancaster in St. James to the Daryll Jordan School in the north of the island last weekend.

Led by RPB, the charity walk started on November 8 in Ragged Point, St. Philip where he was joined by a number of politicians, entertainers and supporters who put on their walking shoes for this worthy cause.

Sunday’s leg started in Lancaster St. James and saw groups opting to run, powerwalk or just stroll in the crisp morning breeze. Some 12 kilometers later, the look of euphoria could be seen on faces of the walkers, none more so though than Wiltshire, as he entered the gate of the school just about 8 am with hands raised and a broad smile.

Speaking to the media after completing the walk, Wiltshire said he was extremely pleased with the response, but stressed that the focus must be placed on the reason behind the initiative.

“We are walking because we want to raise awareness of the fact that there are several people across Barbados who are in need. We want people to give. If you go on redfoundationbarbados.com, Facebook, Instagram to see how can donate.”

Wiltshire said that persons can also give by showing their neighbor more love and respect during this difficult time facing many households.

“To me that is priceless as well and it is important that we lift we each other up, especially at this time and with the impact of COVID. Frankly I don’t [think] people understand the full impact of COVID. You go around in the communities and you see people really struggling. Some people don't want to speak about it because they have moved from positions of comfort and now they are struggling.

“The reality is Christmas is coming. We have to make sure that at least we can help some people to have a meal on their table for Christmas. I am happy that I can be a part of anything to help people of Barbados and I want to applaud the Red Foundation in their effort in trying to help the people of Barbados."

Wiltshire noted that to date, the response from Barbados has been nothing short of tremendous. “People are pledging, people are giving. Most of all, it is the fact that there is a sense of awareness that people need help. I think that is very important.

“It doesn’t end here in St. Lucy. It doesn't end in November. I think the impact of COVID is going to continue well into 2022, 2023 and we have to continue to lift each other up.

“There is a stark reality that people are falling through the cracks and you cannot expect government to do everything. We have to help ourselves, we have to be more self-reliant,” he explained.

He revealed that there is still time left for persons to give to this worthy cause, noting that the Foundation will start to prepare vouchers around December 15. “Keep giving, keep helping us. We need your support,” he pleaded.

Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, Ralph Thorne participated in all four legs of the charity initiative and commended Wiltshire for his vision. Thorne described the walk as a “a symbolic gesture that sometimes we have to make the sacrifice to help others”.

During a brief closing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelly Group, Nick Kelly announced that if anyone donates any item to the Red Foundation using Kellmart, that donation will be matched dollar for dollar. (JH)