Andela Carnegie who has been an integral part of the activities implemented in Longville Park, Clarendon, has always gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Last Sunday (March 9), she was singled out for recognition in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Michelle McDermont, Chair of the Longville Park Human Resource Committee—while acknowledging that there are many more deserving women in the community who are dedicated and giving of themselves—said they too will have their turn.
“Last year at our annual Easter Monday sports day celebration, and even before, Andela, who suffered a broken ankle was hobbling on her crutch stick and assisting the cheerleading team, organising meals for her phase, co-ordinating the athletes who would be taking part and just doing all she could to ensure her sector was represented well,” McDermott informed.
This, according to McDermott, is not the first time Andela has given of herself in this manner. Whether it’s the Christmas tree lighting competition or other community projects—she said it is the norm for her to use her resources and give of her labour.
“We would have liked to recognize more women, but we have limited resources. Last year we did the same, and it is our goal to continue this initiative,” she pointed out to Freedom Come Rain.
The Longville Park HR falls under the broader Community Development Committee (CDC) and is responsible for powering initiatives such as wellness fairs, spelling bee competitions, farmers market, parenting workshops, and other community events.
“Last year at our annual Easter Monday sports day celebration, and even before, Andela, who suffered a broken ankle was hobbling on her crutch stick and assisting the cheerleading team, organising meals for her phase, co-ordinating the athletes who would be taking part and just doing all she could to ensure her sector was represented well,” McDermott informed.
“I really appreciate you guys coming together and seeing it fit to give me an award. I thank you all so much, and I hope we can have more residents coming on board so we can make Longville Park our beautiful home, the ideal place to live and nurture our children,” were her heartfelt words.
Commenting on her involvement in the community, Andela shared with Freedom Come Rain that she has always seen herself as a part of the change, and for her, she gets her family involved also in the community spirit.
“Some Christmases it’s just myself and my family—husband and children who come out to decorate our sector roundabout for the annual competition,” she shared, referring to the community’s competition where all the roundabouts are decorated under a particular theme for the year. The roundabout with the Christmas tree that depicts the theme in the most original way takes the prize along with a cash grant.
Even as she thanked the committee for recognising her, she bemoaned the fact that the youths are not embracing the spirit of volunteerism, and it is with this in mind that she said her focus for now will be to get them revitalised to serve and to engage them even more.
“If more adults reach out and offer themselves as mentors, this can start a wonderful movement,” she stressed.
