The proceeds raised by partners during Child Abuse Prevention month activities were handed over to the British Virgin Islands’ Social Development Department.

Team Leader of Family, Children and Protective Services, Ms. Laurel Freeman thanked the businesses and stated that she is grateful for the continued support of the Virgin Islands community to protect the children and to support vulnerable families.

Ms. Freeman explained that families will benefit from the donations and extended an invitation to those who may need additional support to contact the Social Development Department for assistance.

Partners who donated were Nova Vita Apparels, LSL Bakery and Student Tutoring and Resource Centre (STARC). A considerable portion of proceeds collected from activities held in April such as the ‘Every Child Matters’ tee-shirts, Blue Cupcake Fridays and Family Movie Night will go towards families in need.

For more information on the Social Development Department, persons can telephone 468-3650.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.

Photographs are attached.

Caption 1 of 3: Team Leader of Family, Children and Protective Services in the Social Development Department, Ms. Laurel Freeman receiving donation from Ms. Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda. (Photo Credit: Adrianna Soverall/MHSD)

Caption 2 of 3: Team Leader of Family, Children and Protective Services in the Social Development Department, Ms. Laurel Freeman receiving donation from Mrs. Desiree Alphonse of STARC in Virgin Gorda. (Photo Credit: Adrianna Soverall/MHSD)

Caption 3 of 3: The Social Development Department staff receiving a donation from Stacy Headley of Nova Vita Apparel. (Photo Credit: Provided)