Children’s TV network giant Nickelodeon, Little Hands Family Services and Soles4Souls, are among several American companies that have partnered with the New Jersey-based Haynes Foundation to aid the underprivileged youth in Guyana.
The not-for-profit, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary this year recently shipped thousands of dollars worth of educational tools, medical supplies and sports equipment, as part of its ongoing mission to engage the citizens towards wellbeing and life fulfillment.
Twins, Paul and Patrick Haynes’ passion for charitable causes in Guyana runs deep. Last year the do-gooders adopted the Ruimveldt Children’s Home in Georgetown where a number of its residents have lost their parents to the HIV/AIDS.
The Haynes Foundation has stayed steadfast to this cause providing necessary drugs and personal care to help the young people live a comfortable life, while working with other organizations to address awareness.
The former basketball stars who say they feel fortunate that they can give a “hand-up, not a handout” to the youth of their country, has established a scholarship fund at the University of Guyana to help students who excel in academics but who do not have the financial means to complete their education.
Patrick Haynes said the foundation started out as a basketball program, but after they realized that the need was great, their commitment evolved into humanitarian work, that stretches the length and breath of Guyana.
St. Francis Community Developers, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and the family services in Corentyne Berbice on the East Coast of Demerara, are just a few of the communities that benefit from the program.
Three years ago, Paul Haynes said the foundation equipped the GuySuCo Port Mourant Training Center with computers, as they continue to ensure that many more such institutions stay abreast with modern technology.
And thanks to the Haynes Foundation, the Sharks basketball team in Rose Hall, will dress in spanking new uniforms for their 2011 tournaments.
