The face of philanthropy

When you hear the word 'hero' what's the first thing that comes to mind?

Is it the image of a man leading a rebellion? Or is it that of someone risking their life to save another?

Maybe you're not a knight in shining armour, or never started a rebellion, and maybe your face will never be used on currency, but does this mean you're not a hero?

The Gleaner went on the hunt for a local hero in St Thomas and, according to residents, Anwar Hanchard also known as 'Stevie Face' is deserving of that title.

Hanchard was pleasantly surprised when he heard what his fellow community members think of him.

"I was raised here and maybe because I have been providing jobs for the unemployed and unemployable, that's why they maybe laud me," he said.

The 40-year-old recording artiste established a service station and auto alignment business in the community of Albion in St Thomas.

The Advanced Service Station and Advanced Alignment now stands as a source of income for more than 40 people.

Hanchard said the businesses provides a variety of jobs ranging from pump attendants and mechanics to office administrators and accountants.

"I don't usually highlight most of the things that I do. I send a lot of children to school on a daily basis. I do it yearly and ask them not to speak of it," he said.

Selfless, courageous and influential are words residents of the area used to describe Hanchard.

According to him: "I'm not doing it for recognition. I just think that I'm blessed enough and I'm placed in a position that I can help. I feel like it's a responsibility. The community created me. Musically this is where it started and these were the people who supported me and showed me that I really had what it takes to make it and I'm back here now and I'm employing some of my friends' children."

The thought of providing employment that supports nearly 50 families is the only reward that Hanchard holds dear.

"It gives me inner peace. My ultimate goal is to help as many people as I possibly can. I feel appreciated every day. People say I do it for my own financial gain but I could have saved the money I made from my music, I could have kept it to myself," said the 'Tell it like it is' and 'In the living years' singer.

Every hero has a hero and Hanchard named his late grandmother as his.

"She lived her life serving others. She was a teacher and even after retirement she offered free lessons. She's always saying that we have a responsibility to take care of each other."