FROM THE DESK
OF
THE
CEO
2013 was indeed an exciting year for UWTT. Over the years
Nealco Properties has generously donated our accommodation at their premises on Edward Street in Port-of-Spain. In
January we were relocated to more spacious offices just in
time for the expansion of our operations. Our staff complement was increased to include a Marketing and Events Officer
and Ms. Michelle Adams-Padia, Consultant, came on board to
coordinate the research for our Community Impact Project
made possible through our partnership with the JB Fernades
Memorial Trust.
volumes of what a small team of committed employees could
achieve.
The first ever, United Way National Day of Caring spearheaded
by Mr. Gervase Warner, President and Group CEO, Neal &
Massy Holdings Limited was a resounding success and we look
forward to an even bigger NDOC 2014. 59 companies and their
volunteer employees participated and at the end of it all the
participants thanked UWTT for giving them the opportunity to
be part of this huge volunteer engagement that supported so
many worthwhile projects.
At the end of the year we said thank you to our Chairman of
many years, Mr. Conrad Aleong and welcomed our new chairman, Mr. Ian Benjamin. It has been a pleasure and honour for
me working with Mr. Aleong over the years and I thank him for
his guidance, dedication and wisdom. I now look forward to
continuing the growth of UWTT under the guidance of Mr.
Benjamin.
On the heels of the NDOC came the United Way Worldwide
Caribbean Regional Conference hosted by UWTT. The buzz
surrounding this event was exhilarating and its success spoke
CHANGES
TO THE
I take this opportunity to welcome our seven new donor partners on board. It is always heartwarming when corporate leaders see the value of the contribution that United Way is making and are willing to come along with us to improve the lives
of many by encouraging employees to Give, Advocate and Volunteer. To our existing partners, thank you for our ongoing
relationship. Without your support, many families, youth and
children in particular, will not survive.
I do hope we have captured at least some of the major happenings during the year in this newsletter.
Yours sincerely,
Pamela
BOARD
Ian Benjamin
Chairman
Larry Nath
Board Member
Anya Schnoor
Board Member
Catalina Herrera Roca
Board Member
2013 saw the ascendance of Mr. Ian L. Benjamin to the Chairmanship of United Way Trinidad & Tobago. Mr. Benjamin is an Advocate Attorney-at-Law in sole practice at Bethany Chambers. He is a volunteer director at the Foundation for Human Development
and also a long standing member of the Board of United Way having joined the Board on July 9 th 2003. He has clearly shown commitment and passion in the service of others, has both achievement and distinction, and is well known and respected in the community.
The Board also welcomed three new members i.e. Mr. Larry Nath, CEO First Citizens, Ms. Anya Schnoor, Managing Director, Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited and Mrs. Catalina Herrera Roca, COO, Citi Trinidad & Tobago Hub
United Way Trinidad & Tobago is pleased to wel-
Volunteer pool. Our National Day of Caring
come on board seven new Corporate Donor
attracted Very Exciting Things Ltd and Process
Partners for 2013: CIC Insurance Brokers Lim-
Management Ltd, two of many companies who
ited, Caribbean Welding Supplies Limited, In-
are interested in knowing more about what we
glefield/Ogilvy & Mather Caribbean, Orbit Solu-
do, and how to be part of our movement. They
tions, Process Management Limited, Lange Trini-
are just two of many companies who are looking
dad Limited and Very Exciting Things Limited.
at different ways of giving back, not only with
At the heart of United Way, there are individuals
and their employers who have chosen to be part
Lange Trinidad Ltd.
monetary donations, but also through advocacy
and volunteerism.
of our cause. There is no minimum or maximum
UWTT is committed to assist our partners in the
amount that one can contribute, every dollar
development of their CSR programmes and is
counts. United Way assesses NGOs for strong
dedicated to strengthening our relationship with
governance structures to ensure accountability
new Corporate Donors. We look forward to our
and sustainability. Projects, programmes and
partnerships and expect to have a greater im-
capacity building initiatives are supported finan-
pact in communities throughout Trinidad & To-
cially through the Community Fund as well hu-
bago with their valuable contributions.
man resource support through the United Way
WORKSHOP
In keeping with our building capacity initiatives for NGOs,
Direction. The one day program covered areas such as de-
United Way Trinidad & Tobago hosted a workshop for
tection of abuse, counselling, treatment and recovery.
NGO partners at our offices on Edward Street in Port- of-
Indranis Light Foundation (ILF) conducts a programme ti-
Spain in September.
tled "Live A Brighter Life" which is a unique empowerment
The workshop, facilitated by Mrs. Indarani Goradia was
program for women. It is a comprehensive, well written
sponsored by First Citizens through their "PINK" card
curriculum based on life coaching skills and positive psy-
which advocates against ending violence towards women
chology. It provides women who have been mentally and/
and allows their clients to contribute to a worthy cause
or physically abused with powerful tools on how to stand
each month. Indrani Goradia is an author, coach and in-
in their power, how to respect themselves first and how to
ternational speaker who directed her passion and exper-
break the cycle of shame and self-criticism so that they
tise at the Caregivers of battered and abused women and
can model new choices
children.
to new generations. It
In attendance were the caregivers of victims of abuse from
twelve NGOs: Goshen House, Loveuntil Foundation, Innovative Parenting Support, Coalition against Domestic Violence, Families in Action, Mizpeh House, The Shelter, National Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Kids In Need of
is an inspiring, forwardmoving program which
adds great value in care
and healing of abuse.
Gervase Warner President and Group CEO of the Neal &
dren’s homes in addition to the delivery of care packages
Massy Group of Companies and United Way Trinidad & To-
and equipment to residences for children and the elderly,
bago Director took the lead in establishing the first ever
as well as hospitals, were some of the projects undertaken
United Way National Day of Caring (NDOC). Warner was
in communities by participating companies and their volun-
joined by several United Way Board and Committee Mem-
teers.
bers and other corporate leaders including Ian Welch, Clive
ed by Atlantic to spearhead the undertaking, worked closely
“You know people have a passion, they
want to do these things, but they need
someone to help them to make that
step, to actually get to a project and
certainly that is what United Way has
done - it has created the opportunity”
with United Way’s staff to plan, communicate and support
A. Seunath - Atlantic
donors as well as NGOs. A model was put forth to have
The United Way staff and volunteers from several compa-
committees setup within donor companies to ensure that
nies hosted four hundred children and their caregivers from
each project would be ready to be executed by their volun-
sixteen childrens' homes at the Republic Bank Sports Club.
teers on the day. He commented that the principle objec-
With bouncy castles, pony rides, races, karaoke, hula-hoop
tive of NDOC was to "engender a spirit of volunteerism at
and other socially inclusive games, the children played with
the level of the individual, and at the broader societal level
each other, held competitions and most importantly had
to foster civic pride and national consciousness".
fun.
Projects were undertaken in communities such as Arima,
In total, 59 companies undertook 75 projects. 2,603 Volun-
Caroni, Chaguanas, Diego Martin, Laventille, Mayaro, Point
teers changed the lives of 4,107 people by their efforts to
Fortin, Port of Spain, San Fernando, San Juan, Sangre
reinforce the point made by Warner “it is a fantastic exam-
Grande, Tobago, Toco, Trincity, Tunapuna and Manzanilla.
ple of demonstrating that in Trinidad & Tobago, we still
Landscaping, construction, renovations, agriculture and
have people who care for one another".
Belgrave, Vincent Pereira, Dennis Evans, Sandra Chin Yuen
Kee, Larry Nath, Nigel Darlow, Lisa Wickham, Norman Christie, Gordon Dean, Garvin Goddard, James Smith, Anya
Schnoor, Dawn Thomas, Dexter Charles and NGO Representatives Beverly Beckles and Subesh Ramjattan.
The Project Coordinator, Terrence Walker who was second-
care for the elderly, fun time for children at several chil-
Thank you to all the volunteers of NDOC 13!
360 Communications
Atlantic
Automotive Components
BG Trinidad and Tobago
Huggins Shipping
Hyatt Regency Trinidad Ltd
IBM World Trade Corporation
Illuminat (Trinidad) Ltd
Qualitech Machining Services Ltd
Republic Bank Ltd
Rosco Petroavance
Scaffolding Manufacturers Trinidad Ltd
BHP Billiton (Trinidad) Ltd
BP Trinidad and Tobago
Building Spaces
Cargo Consolidators Ltd
Carl King Company Ltd
Central FC
Imagine Media International Ltd
Industrial Gases Ltd
Jerome Salandy
Label House Group Ltd
Marketing and Distribution
Melville Shipping Limited
Scotiabank
Sheldon Felix
Shell Caribbean
St. Joseph Convent Port of Spain
Tobago Services Ltd
Tracmac Engineering Ltd
Centrica
Citi
CLICO
First Citizens
Flour Daniel S.A.
General Finance Corporation
Global Financial Brokers
Guardian Group of Companies
Hi Lo Food Stores
Neal & Massy Holdings Ltd
Neal & Massy Wood Group Ltd
Nealco Real Estate Limited
NM Insertech (Caribbean) Ltd
PCS Nitrogen
Pereira and Company Ltd
Pres-T-Con Ltd
Pro Man
Process Management Ltd
Trinidad Systems Ltd
Telecommunications Services of T&T
Unicomer (Trinidad) Ltd
Unilever Caribbean Ltd
United Insurance Co. Ltd
Unit Trust Corporation (UTC)
University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT)
Very Exciting Things
Worley Parsons
“We are very inspired by the Day of Caring, we are not any one company, just a number of small companies and we believe that anything can be done if everyone chips in
together and that is what today is about” - M. Grosberg—Building Spaces
“When you can give back with your time, you put that sweat equity in, you don’t just
write a cheque or give cash but when you really roll up your sleeves and become one
of the people and do the hard work, you leave at the end of the day tired, sweaty but
very fulfilled”- L. Parmesar—Republic Bank Ltd
On Tuesday, June 4th 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, United Way celebrated the achievements of Corporate Donor
Partners and their employees for Campaign 2012. Employee Campaign Team members and company executives were in
attendance. Twenty seven awards, went to first, second and third place winners of employee donations, total employee
with company matching donations and the highest employee participation percentage of the companies in the small, medium and large categories. All 69 Donor Companies
were in contention.
Recognition certificates were given to all Corporate
Donors for their efforts in donating for a greater
good. Patron, Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali and Mr. Conrad Aleong, UWTT Chairman as well as other members of the Board of United Way were on hand to
present the awards
The audience warmly welcomed Mr. Gervase Warner
who had successfully led the National Day of Caring
earlier in the year and would again lead the 2013
Fund Raising Campaign which was also launched at
the event.
TOTAL DONATIONS
Inclusive of company matching contributions
IBM World Trade Corporation
Citi
BG Trinidad & Tobago
Trinity Power
BHP Billiton Trinidad & Tobago
Atlantic
3M Interamerica Ltd.
Fluor Daniel S.A
PCS Nitrogen
EMPLOYEE DONATIONS
Personal Employee Contributions, made through Corporate Donors
IBM World Trade Corporation
Trinity Power
3M Interamerica Ltd.
Citi
Fluor Daniel S.A
BHP Billiton Trinidad & Tobago
Atlantic
PCS Nitrogen
First Citizens
PARTICIPATION
The percentage of employees within a company that contribute
Trinity Power
Arthur Lok Jack Graduate
School of Business
IBM World Trade Corporation
Citi
Rosco Petroavance
BHP Billiton
Label House Group
Trinidad Systems Limited
PCS Nitrogen
United Way Trinidad & Tobago has a growing network of sixty six NGOs who partner with us to support the vulnerable
throughout the country. United Way provides volunteers, financial support through Grants, training and capacity building of the organisations. UWTT is always on the look-out for new NGO Partners. The assessment process continues to be
stringent to ensure that donor funds are well invested and the anticipated results materialise.
2013 saw two added NGO Partners receiving financial support for their programmes. Birdsong Academy located in East
Trinidad was welcomed on board with their work with youth in music education. UWTT provided the funds to ensure the
availability of a cadre of well qualified tutors for the Saturday classes. Students receive tuition in music literacy at no
cost.
The Informative Breastfeeding Service (TIBS) also received first time funding. Mothers in Tobago will now have access to
education on the importance of breastfeeding. TIBS
guides women through the first few days to two
years after a child is born to ensure healthy and
contented infants.
Birdsong –Dennis Phillip, NCPD – Sonia La Maitre, Families in Action –Elizabeth Spence, CTC –Kyle Dardaine, CREDO—Sr Roberta O’Flaherty, TIBS –Graham Rostant, CKFTO - Elizabeth Aleong & Krista Hamel-
Additionally, Chevron Trinidad & Tobago Resources SRL directed two Corporate Gifts through
United Way to support the programmes of Youth
Business Trinidad & Tobago (YBTT) and the
Kernaham Centre for Community Development.
YBTT offers business mentoring to youth entrepreneurs while the KCCD has established a pre-school
and Home-work Centre for children and youth of
Kernaham Village, one of the poorest communities
on the eastern seaboard of Trinidad.
This year, $4.4M dollars went out to 24 NGOs for
programmes that included support for the differently-able, domestic abuse victims, literacy for
youth and adults, young mothers and families as
well as youth education and training.
FRONT: Amica House/Vision of Hope - Sr Jude Marie, FIA - Dionne Guichard, Heroes Foundation - Anne Marie Narine, CADV - Natalie
O’Brady, Mamatoto - Marilyn Stollmeyer, MOMS for Literacy - Amber Gonzales, Goshen/Joshua House - Jacqueline Morgan. BACK:
UWTT Director - Don La Foucade, UWTT Director - Larry Nath, Bridge of Hope - Subesh Ramjattan, Social Justice—Maureen Arneaud,
Raffa House - Brian Jones, Kernaham Centre for Community Development - Riaz Ali, UWTT Director - Bro Noble Khan
UWTT is pleased to have our donors engaged in
altruism. From contributing to the community fund
to advocating for issues that affect us all. Volunteerism is a major contribution to the success of
the NGOs. In addition to individuals who volunteer
on an ongoing basis at various organisations, volunteer engagements such as the National Day of Caring provide an excellent opportunity to enhance
the work of the NGOs and is an indication of how
much could be achieved by collective effort.
Adult Literacy Teachers Association (ALTA)
$320,000
South & Central Trinidad Programmes
Amica House
$160,000
$210,000
$271,600
$156,000
$200,000
$120,000
$96,000
$150,000
$59,469
$179,000
Home for socially displaced boys (2-10yrs)
$150,000
National Centre for Persons with Disabilities
$175,050
Raffa House
$200,000
Saint Martin Welfare Association
$4,540
The Informative Breastfeeding Service (TIBS)
$85,000
The Social Justice Foundation
$250,000
Development for disadvantaged youths in rural areas
$270,000
Big Brothers/Sisters mentorship programme
Joshua Home for Boys
National Centre for Person with Disabilities
First resource programme in Tobago
Half Way House for abused women & children
Heroes Foundation
$218,606
Community Centre in John John
United Way's People in Crisis Fund (South)
Goshen Home
National Centre for Person with Disabilities
2 homes in east Trinidad, 1 boys', 1girls'
Training of 50 teachers
Families in Action
$225,000
Primary school music programme to serve 4000
Sofia House for displaced girls
Dyslexia Association
MOMS for Literacy
United Way People in Crisis Fund (North)
Advancement of persons by skill training and education
Credo Foundation for Justice
$75,000
Music literacy programme
Academic, psychological and developmental challenges
Consortium of Disability Organizations
Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre
Literacy programmes for children mothers & families
Counselling, support and recovery for victims
Companions of the Transfigured Christ
$111,200
Support for all women, pre/post natal care
Disability awareness programme for 200 schools
Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Kernaham Centre for Community Development
Operational Expenses
Community education music programmes for youth
Caribbean Kids & Families Therapy Organization
$315,000
Donor Directed Grant: Chevron
Home for socially displaced girls aged 1.5 – 20 Yrs
Birdsong
Kernaham Centre for Community Development
Vision of Hope
$150,000
Half way house for abused women & children
$140,000
$149,310
Youth Business Trinidad & Tobago
Donor Directed Grant: Chevron. Youth entrepreneurs
Patron of UWTT Mrs. Zahalyr Hassanali
presents a grant to Mr. Graham Rostant, Chairman of TIBS.
CARIBBEAN REGIONAL
CONFERENCE
United Way Worldwide members with UWTT
FRONT: Janet Butler VP Africa & Caribbean, Samuel Gonzales
President & CEO UW Puerto Rico, Alvaro Casserly Chairman UW
Caribbean Regional Council, Alex Rodriguez Manager of International Communications UW Worldwide, Pamela Francis CEO
UWTT, Sharilyn Hale Philanthropic advisor to UW Worldwide,
Wamite Mathara Director of UW Worldwide-Caribbean
BACK: Michelle Adams-Padia Programme Coordinator UWTT,
Winsome Wilkins CEO UW Jamaica, José Ferrao Executive VP
International Network UW Worldwide, Jason Thomson Campaign Marketing Manager UWTT, Kevin Kiger Director Network
Communications, Noel daCosta Incoming Chairman UW Jamaica,
Wayne Moze Director UWTT.
Not in picture: Margaret Trahan President & CEO UW Acadiana,
Roma Bose Director Donor & Field Engineering UW Worldwide.
The United Way Worldwide Caribbean Regional Conference took place
here in Trinidad & Tobago in September. Members met for 3 days at the
Hyatt Regency Trinidad & Tobago. The major focus of the conference was
the Community Impact Model and the Agenda included topics such as
“Surviving the Transformation Journey, Major Gift Fundraising and Diaspora Engagement, and Enhancing Corporate Engagement”. Jason Thomson,
UWTT Campaign Marketing Manager presented the UWTT National Day of
Caring receiving tremendous accolades from the Worldwide Network.
Mr. Jose Ferrao, Executive Vice President, International Network, United
Learning session with UWTT Board members and UWW
Way Worldwide conducted a workshop for Board Members titled “Leading
for Community Engagement”. Discussions centred on creating a vehicle for
empowerment and community change through the Board.
Feature Luncheon Speaker for the Conference was Senator Helen Drayton
who served as UWTT CEO in the past and is a great advocate in the Senate
for vulnerable citizens.
Pan Yard Lime
Guests were treated to local sounds and tastes of TT
“Would all visitors -please raise your hand”
United Way Worldwide members
were taken out on the last day of the Conference to a lime which was held
at the Woodbrook Playboyz Pan Yard. Volunteer, Errol Fabien was the MC
for the evening. Guests were treated to the sounds of our national instrument, the steel pan. Curry goat, paratha roti, crab and dumplings, bake
and shark were among some of the local dishes for guests to savour.
Lady Africa, Calypso Extemporaneous Champion enlightened our guests to
our melodic play on words and improvisation. Foreign guests, Kevin and
Alex of United Way Worldwide and Winsome of Jamaica displayed their
“extempo” talents as did outgoing Chairman of UWTT, Conrad Aleong. Shiv
Shakti Indian dancers also performed to showcase our melting pot culture
The party really got going with the arrival of Board Member, Gervase
Warner who got everyone on the dance floor by leading the electric slide.
2013 FUND RAISING EVENTS
The TSL Group: A Cup for Charity
The TSL Group hosted their 4th annual "A Cup for Charity" on October
24th at the Hilton Conference Centre. The employee campaign team at
TSL organizes and hosts this fundraiser which has grown considerably
over the years. For the 2013 event companies purchased tables which
resulted in a major boost of income and a donation to the United Way
Community Fund of $75,000.
Mrs. Nicole Galt, the driving force behind the initiative says it’s all about
giving back. The TSL Group sees it as their corporate and social responsibility not only to give financially and encourage
employees to give but also to engage them in the process through volunteerism.
Patrons were delighted with the array of prizes which included a return flight to St. Lucia courtesy Caribbean Airlines,
nights at the Hilton, Lenovo Tablets, gift vouchers, paintings and hampers all generously donated for the cause.
Fluor: Curry Duck Cook-Off Competition
Fluor hosted
their Annual "Curry Duck Cook-Off Competition" at the Ato Boldon
Stadium in October. 20 teams competed for the best curry duck, side
dish, chow, t-shirt design and overall team spirit. Judges included employee volunteers from Very Exciting Things, Inglefield/Ogilvy &
Mather Caribbean and United Way's own Jason Thomson. A rhythm
section, tassa and DJ music kept all entertained. The contribution to
fundraising by Fluor is truly appreciated by all United Way stakeholders especially the many vulnerable who benefit from the United Way
UWTT: Carols & Classics on Steel 2013
Nicole Wong
Wong--Chong of
UWTT's Carols and Classics on Steel 2013 in partnership with the
the T&T Sopranos; one of
Hyatt Regency was truly a night to remember commencing with the
four groups that perWine & Cheese Reception which included wines sponsored by Anformed together on stage
gostura Ltd and A.S. Bryden & Sons Ltd. The youthful Birdsong Acadat the Hyatt on Sunday
Dec 1st.
emy Orchestra delighted the guests with their steel, brass and wind
performances alongside the Eastern Youth Chorale, the Trinidad and
Tobago Sopranos, the Alternative Quartet and lyric tenor John Thomas. Thomas, who is currently studying in New York
flew in to coordinate the show and perform with the over 100 performers. The Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Celia Scott added her warm and beautiful personality as she smoothly guided the proceedings.
The Sopranos Danielle Williams, Germaine Wilson, Naette Yoko Lee, Nicole Wong
Chong and Golda Lee-Bruce who made their debut at the event received standing ovations. The highlight of the evening was the coming together of all the performers to
deliver a scintillating rendition of the Halleluiah Chorus as a tribute to Pat Bishop.
Director Mr. Ian Benjamin thanked patrons and sponsors for their ongoing support.
United Way Trinidad & Tobago
Nealco Properties Building, #61-63 Edward Street, P.O.S
Office 1(868)625-8286 | 625-9054 | Fax 627-9315
*Donations are welcomed
First Citizens #1367844
Republic Bank #180473293901
RBTT #8811039695
Scotia Bank #170637
facebook.com/UnitedWayTT
@UnitedWay868
www.uwtt.com
Visit our webpage, fill
out the Volunteer form
and send to us. We will
find an NGO which can
use your skills given your
location and schedule.
unitedway@tstt.net.tt
*Please send us your deposit slip with your name and address to unitedway@tstt.net.tt or fax to (868)627-9315 for receipts which can be used for tax relief through Deed of Covenant