Western Union donates $60,000 towards Tema Centre for the Aged

Tema, March 8, GNA - Western Union International (WUI) has presented a cheque for 60,000 dollars to the Tema-Battor Area Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, towards the completion of a GH¢200,000 Day Care Centre for the Aged under construction in Tema. The project, which was initiated by the Catholic Society one and a half years ago, has reached the roofing level.

Mr Louis Doe Atsiatorme, President of the Tema-Battor Area Council of the Society, in a welcome address said the donation was in response to their request to WUI to financially support the project. Mr Atsiatorme said the project when completed would be the first day care centre for the aged in Tema, adding that it would give the aged the opportunity to interact with their peers as well as serve as a recreational centre for them.

He further said a container erected at the premises would be used by People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) as a trade centre to help generate money to support them to buy their antiretroviral drugs. Calling on policy makers to undertake the development of social policies that would integrate the aged, Mr Atsiatorme said the welfare of the elderly should not solely be located with the family members or the aged themselves.

"Simple measures such as housing designs which permit multi-generational living and the provision of social facilities which can be used as meeting places or clubs by the elderly should be considered", he observed.

On the activities of the Society, the President noted that members who are Catholics were concerned with seeking the spirit of justice and charity to help the less fortunate in society.

Mr Khalia Felahi, Vice President of Western Union Africa, thanked the Society for the initiative and the opportunity given to Western Union to contribute towards the construction.

He encouraged other religious and social groups to emulate the selfless and dedicated work of the Society for the benefit of humanity. Mr Anthony Kemevor, Head of Western Union at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) in an open remark said the donation was in fulfilment of their social responsibility, noting that the Union made a similar donation to the Teshie orphanage as well as Peace and Love Academy two years ago.

Mr Kemevor said to show their care, the Union last year supported street girls in Kumasi to acquire vocational training. Mrs Gail Gallupo, Executive Vice President and Chief of Marketing of WUI, presented the cheque on behalf of the Union, while Dr Margaret Price Amonoo, Vice President of the Society received it on behalf of her outfit.