Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) raced against the clock out of the pool on Sunday 23rd February, bent on ensuring completion of its inaugural community project – cleaning and painting the Salvation Army Children’s Home in Pembroke.
According to information received, it was swim mom Shivern Peters who brought the project to the attention of Black Sands Coach Kyle Dougan back in January 2020. Together they formed a planning team consisting of Jake Heimann, Loren Gun-Munro and Akin John to plan and execute the project.
With a February deadline date set for completion, the team set about conducting fundraising events, and leaned on many local businesses for donations.
When the day drew nigh, BSSS organised hosting the children and staff at Shrewsbury Aquatic Center for the day, allowing 16 BSSS swimmers, along with their parents and other volunteers, to successfully carry out the project in just nine hours.
The extent of the undertaking resulted in all interior rooms being painted and all light fittings were replaced.
In addition, Living Art Landscaping transformed the garden by donating over 40 ornamental plants, and also planting lettuce, kale, cabbage, sweet pepper, tomato, basil, rosemary and thyme. Soursop, plum rose, golden apple, five finger, guava, cocoa and cherry trees were also planted.
The friends and family of BSSS have reached out to extend thanks to Soho House (Canouan), former and current Mustique homeowners and Equinox International for their financial contributions; G.I. Investments for steam cleaning all of the mattresses, Dover Electrical Services for giving their electrical expertise for the day; Mr. Bennett and his team of professional painters; Kaitlin Rhode and Robyn Milloy of St. James’ Medical College for contributing their time; Knolly B for his fantastic grilled chicken, and the many, many local generous individual and business sector donors. (Source: BSSS)