When In Need Foundation Donates to the Bahamas Ranfurly Homes
Ms Chetachi Ecton, Chief Executive Officer of The When In Need Foundation led its team on a Mission of Mercy Tour of The Ranfurly Homes for Children which has been a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian children since 1956.The idea for the home originated as a result of a mid-1950’s fire in downtown Nassau. when Lady Hermoine Ranfurly, wife of the then Governor General, the Earl of Ranfurly during the aftermath and cleanup, discovered a group of homeless children sleeping in cardboard boxes in buildings and alleys near the burnt buildings.. Donations of food, supplies and other necessities for the benefit of the children were made to bring joy into the hearts of the young residents. Brief History… Lady Hermoine Ranfurly used her local and international contacts and together with the Queen Mary’s Sewing Guild, began galvanizing worldwide support for the creation of the home. Help came from as far away as London-based merchants to as close as a group of Bahamian workers on the Out Islands who pooled their limited resources, sending in eighty pounds to help change the lives of Ranfurly’s first residents. Just six months after securing a spacious property on Mackey St. with room for children to play under the shade of Poinciana and sapodilla trees, the patrons and caregivers at Ranfurly welcomed the first residents into their full time care. In 1997, the home that came into being as a result of a tragic fire was nearly destroyed by fire. Patrons and board members had to once again turn to the community for support in rebuilding the boys’ dormitory. The home now has the capacity to accommodate more than 45 children who range in age from 5 to 20 and is equipped with three dormitories, a study room, living room, a computer/library center and a kitchen and dining facility. Fifty years later, the Ranfurly Homes for Children is still a place of hope for young Bahamians. The home is a haven, a learning ground, a place where warm memories take shape for boys and girls whose life circumstances may have otherwise taken them on a very different path. The Ranfurly team continues the legacy of founder Lady Hermoine Ranfurly, wife of the then Bahamas Governor General, the Early of Ranfurly. Lady Ranfurly envisioned similar “homes” being established throughout the Bahamas. Special Thanks to The Management Team of Ranfurly Homes for Children for the warm welcome, The Sandals Foundation and the When In Need Foundation Team as it continues its global Mission of Mercy Tour transforming lives and creating impact one individual at a time…To support WiN Foundation in its work, please make a donation at www.winfound.org
