SIR PATRICK ALLEN APPLAUDS FOOD FOR THE POOR

Kingston, Jamaica – March 12, 2015

Governor General, His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen (left), presents a plaque to Andrew Mahfood (centre), Chairman, Food For The Poor, during his visit to the charity organisation on March 12. Also sharing in the moment is David Mair, Executive Director.

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, met with members of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica at their head office in Ellerslie Pen, St. Catherine, to express his gratitude to the charity organization.

“We really feel that we need to say thanks to you. We appreciate all that you do for the people of this country.  We hope you will keep up the good work and that more people will come on board to support your programmes so it will be more sustained and sustainable,” Sir Patrick said.

He went on to reflect on the history of the charity organization, and expressed how the committed staff members have expanded the dream of FFP’s founder, Ferdinand Mahfood, into more than what he had hoped for.

“I am very pleased to be with you today. I laud Ferdinand Mahfood, the founder, for allowing the spirit of God to lead and inspire him to start this organization. I am just dumbfounded at the expansion and reach of Food For The Poor.  This organization has printed itself on the psyche of the Jamaican people so much so that when you think about a natural disaster, you think about the role that Food For The Poor will be playing in the recovery process.  You have seeped into the system of Jamaican life and have gone to the foundation of where the rubber hits the road by lifting people to make their lives more comfortable and giving them an opportunity to advance.  You are transforming lives!” he said.

According to the Governor General, FFP was the first stop on a list of local organizations he will be visiting, as part of “the social component of the vision and mission of King’s House,” to express appreciation on behalf of the nation for their contribution to nation building.

The Governor General also spoke about his ‘I Believe Initiative’. He said it was launched in 2011, “as a service oriented programme where we find pathways to assist young people to believe in themselves, achieve their objectives and serve their country.  The three pillars of this programme are family, youth and education.  Under the umbrella of the IBI, the Summer of Service (SOS) competition was launched with the hope to increase volunteerism among youth, while offering them an opportunity to pursue academic goals. It would be great to see our young people volunteering with FFP.”

In response to Sir Patrick Allen, Mr. Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, said FFP was privileged to have been chosen as the first stop on his list of organizations to thank for their contribution to nation-building. 

“Your presence and message of thanks to us this morning is a motivation to us to continue to do what we can to help the less fortunate,” said Mr. Mahfood. “Our office would also be a good learning avenue for the youth in your SOS programme and we would be more than happy to accept them as volunteers with our organization.  Your presence with us today is really thanks enough and we thank you for coming.  We will also accept any request that we receive from your office regarding assisting persons in need.  We are very grateful that you have joined us here today.”