Orlando City Foundation Board Member, Naome Bradshaw, recently travelled to Anchovy, Jamaica to visit the Garland Hall Memorial Children’s Home. She and her husband brought plenty with them. Orlando City Foundation donated an indestructible soccer ball and thirty uniform kits, which included a training shirt, soccer shorts, and knee high athletic socks. Pediatric dentist, Dr. Lincoln Taylor, also donated 100 tubes of toothpaste and some clothing. They also brought pencils, bubbles, candy and toys.
“The kids revealed to us that soccer is their favorite sport,” said Mrs. Bradshaw. “They were fascinated by the idea of the indestructible soccer ball and went outside to try it right away!”
The visitors took a tour of the facility, which is being renovated by volunteers. The orphanage is privately run by the Jamaican Baptist Union and sponsored by the Jamaican Baptist Women’s Federation. It can house 30 kids at once. Those children range in age from 6 to 16. The home receives visitors from around the world with open arms. They have had more than 100 visitors during the last year.
“The children enjoy getting to know many interesting people from all over the world,” said Manager Sydia Smith. “Visitors and donors play an important role in the development of the children living here.” Mrs. Smith runs Garland Hall along with five part-time employees.
