Thieves took the power, not the programme

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I read The Gleaner’s recent report about the theft of solar equipment from the Hopewell Sports and Community Centre, and I understand the frustration parents feel. When someone steals from a place built for the community, everyone feels it.

But I want every parent in Hopewell to know this: our doors have stayed open.

Every day from 12 noon to 6 p.m., the Lennox Lewis League of Champions Foundation’s after-school programme has been here for our young people. We set those hours around the school shift system so that no child gets left out. Our kids are still training, playing, laughing, and getting help with their homework, indoors and outside. Every day, our partners at Big Yard Restaurant prepare and deliver meals so that no child goes hungry while they are with us. The coaching, the homework help, and the meals are all completely free for the youth of our community.

When the power went out, our young people didn’t quit, and neither did we. We have been teaching them that when something is taken from you, you adapt, you lean on each other, and you keep showing up. They have shown us that lesson better than we could teach it.

We still need help, though. Without power, our gym can only do so much. We are asking businesses, community partners, and friends of Hopewell to help us buy a portable generator so our children can train and study without limits. Anyone who would like to help can reach us at jamaica@locfoundation.org.

To the parents who keep trusting us with your children, thank you. We’ll be here tomorrow, and the day after that.

Youllan Falconer

Administrative & Community

Programs Coordinator

Lennox Lewis League of

Champions Foundation (LOCF)