Wishing for a home this Christmas

Residents of Barking Lodge in St Thomas are hoping that Ricardo ‘Mr Volunteer’ Burke will be able to fulfil their shared Christmas wish of building a new house for a needy neighbour, even as he executes customary efforts to bring cheer to his hometown.

The idea, which was initially sparked by Burke himself following a visit to Barking Lodge, is that the one-bedroom structure occupied by elderly farmer Denzel Williams will be refurbished.

Burke, who heads the Yutes4Change Foundation, has, for the past few years, dedicated the Yuletide season and most of his life to helping the less fortunate, including gifting toys to children in rural areas and feeding the homeless on Christmas Day.

The Yutes4Change Foundation was started in 2014 with the aim of providing assistance to students going back to school. The programme has, however, evolved over the years to cater to not just children, but also adults, senior citizens and the disabled.

In addition to his annual provision of dinner to persons living on the street, the philanthropist shared that his ultimate project this year would be to build a new house for Williams, a wish that is now being shared by community members.

“We are here to try and get some help to rebuild this structure. While we were doing one of our food drives, we came here to deliver food and realised that the house is in a deplorable condition, so we want to get some help for him,” he shared.

Though rickety, the door of the old, board house was secured by a small lock. Taking his key from a plastic bag, which apparently safeguarded his valuables, Williams unlocked the door revealing a small, cluttered room.

His bed bore a small, stained mattress, which was stacked with hoary items, leaving a space seemingly too small for anyone to sleep comfortably.

In front it was a coal stove, which Williams uses to cook his meals on rainy days.

The small room, which was stuffed with old bottles and other items, is walled in by plyboards that desperately need changing.

“It is quite overwhelming to see the condition and state of his house. I really want to create that opportunity for him to live a more comfortable life. Many of us are privileged, but there are also many who need a helping hand to carry on in life, if even just a good place to rest your head at night,” Burke said, sharing that while his foundation is ready and willing to provide the manpower to carry out the work, they are requesting the help of others to secure the necessary material.

Though not a man of many words, Williams shared that he would be grateful for the assistance.

“When rain fall, it wet mi up in here. The room is small and I can’t really turn good. I would want a little space, where I can put my bottles of water when I fill them up,” he said.

Residents of Barking Lodge describe Williams as a helpful and hard-working.

Speaking with The Gleaner, one woman, who shared that she has known the farmer for the past 55 years, said that granting him a new house would not only be the perfect gift for the senior citizen, but for her as well.

“I’d be really grateful if he gets the help. He’s a hard-working person; he’s not lazy … . He’s from a poor background. Sometimes he will burn his coal, and though it costs $1,000, people give him all $300, which is not right,” said Sylma Johnson.

She shared that she assists him with dinner and other cash whenever she can, urging others to also reach out on behalf of her neighbour.

“As its approaching Christmas, I would be grateful if he gets the house and some furniture. I gave him the bed he has there a long time ago, so I know for sure if he gets the help, he will take care of the things,” Johnson said.

Those wishing to assist Williams, may contact Yutes4Change’s Managing Director Ricardo Burke at 876-294-8252.

shanna.monteith@gleanerjm.com