Lyford Cay Foundation Launches TimeWorks

A new initiative of the Lyford Cay Foundation, in conjunction with very generous sponsors, TimeWorks is set to launch September 1 and run through mid-November.

Over the course of September the Lyford Cay Foundation will enlist an enthusiastic group of volunteers to help staff TimeWorks 2004. Its mission is to address the critical needs of the community by mobilizing a diverse group of caring individuals in direct volunteer service and civic engagement that will go a long way in improving the lives of Bahamians on New Providence, even if for one day. The Foundation estimates that the program will deliver over 1,300 volunteer hours to needy Bahamians. Four volunteer projects have been selected for the program's inagural run.

"The premise is that your time is as important as your money," said Paul R. Sandford, president of the Lyford Cay Foundation. "Through TimeWorks we hope to encourage people to volunteer their time as much as they volunteer their money and other resources.

"Sometimes spending quality time with a young child who has been abandoned is as important as writing an annual check to a favourite charity," said Sandford.

Once registered as a TimeWorks volunteer, the Foundation will arrange for transportation to and from the project site from a central location, thanks to the generosity of Majestic Tours. Foundation directors will also offer brief training modules prior to the volunteer projects, and they will even feed and hydrate all who offer their time thanks to Aquapure, Artic Ice & Water, August Moon Cafe, Bristol Wines &Spirits, Dunkin' Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Lyford Cay Club, Premium Patties & Bake Shop and Super Value. These corporate sponsors have made TimeWorks a reality by donating their services.

"Volunteers are sure to benefit as much from volunteering as the recipients of their time and energy. Everyone benefits at TimeWorks," said Alessandra Holowesko, chairman of the Foundation's Gifts and Grants Committee. The Committee, made-up of Sarah Farrington, Holowesko, Kylie Nottage and Sandford, took the lead in organizing TimeWorks by creating, managing and leading flexible volunteer projects for busy individuals, as well as providing the motivation for getting involved by making volunteering easy and fun.

Volunteers will also receive a commemorative TimeWorks t-shirt made possible by the generosity of Oceanic Bank and Trust, Pictet Bank & Trust and Sun Tee.

"Our corporate sponsors really took a leap of faith with TimeWorks. We approached them when TimeWorks was just a concept, and they immediately understood the idea, they immediately embraced it and they signed up to help in any way they could," said Holowesko. "It has been really inspiring to work alongside these corporate leaders who understand the importance of giving back to the community."

And, individuals have really stepped up to the plate as well. Annabeth Maura, a talented graphics designer, donated the conceptualization and creation of the TimeWorks logo and the artwork for the t-shirts. Tanya Maycock will be photographing all four volunteer projects pro-bono.

"It is all about giving back," said Manuel Cutillas, the Lyford Cay Foundation's Chairman. " All of us have something to contribute and one of the most valuable things we can give is our time."

Four charities were selected by the Foundation for TimeWorks 2004.

"We had a difficult time selecting which charities to work with because there are so many worthy organizations throughout the Bahamas. We ultimately chose to work with organizations that we know well and that had a pressing need," said Holowesko. "The beauty of TimeWorks is that we hope it is around for such a long time, that over time we will be able to work with all the charities in the country!"

On Saturday, September 18, TimeWorks volunteers will assist the Bahamas National Trust with their efforts to clean-up Adelaide Beach on International Coastal Clean-Up Day. Panama Jack has generously donated all the sun block and sun hats to keep volunteers safe from the sun while they clean up the beach.

On Saturday, October 2, the Foundation will be working with the Elizabeth Estates Home for Children, a home for abandoned children. "We are hoping to give these children something they do not often receive - personal attention, role modeling and some fun! We have arranged to take the children and volunteers to Harbour Island for the day, thanks to the kindness of everyone at Bahamas Fast Ferries," said Holowesko. The children will also be receiving their own beach towel and beach ball thanks to Kelly's Home Centre.

The Foundation is also planning on signing up volunteers to help with the Special Olympics National Games on Saturday, October 23. Intellectually disabled athletes from all over the Bahamas will gather in Nassau for the annual national games being held at the Queen Elizabeth's Sports Centre.

Finally, on Friday, November 19, TimeWorks will assist the Dean William Granger Centre, a drug rehabilitation centre, with their weekly soup kitchen. A pre-Thanksgiving menu is planned and volunteers will cook, serve and clean up, and also offer conversation and holiday cheer.

To learn more about TimeWorks and how to register as a volunteer, please visit www.lyfordcayfoundation.com or call the Lyford Cay Foundation at 242.362.4910