Site Operations Manager Brian Gardine and other volunteers from The Caribbean Lottery (IGT Global Services) planted two mango trees at the Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix. The tree-planting event recently brought much delight to children and staff at the home and is part of an ongoing restoration project since hurricanes ravaged the island in September 2017.
Keziah Sullivan is director of fund development at Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, which operates the home. “IGT/Caribbean Lottery is a wonderful supporter of Queen Louise Home for Children,” said Sullivan. “They have repeatedly shown concern and commitment toward the program, and we are honored to have their trust.”
“For a long time, the Queen Louise Home for Children campus was lush with shade and fruit trees. The children had plenty of fun running around under the shade while harvesting mangoes and guava fruits,” said Sullivan.
She noted that most of their trees were destroyed by hurricanes. “When IGT called to let us know they would be planting more fruit trees on the campus, we were overjoyed, as were the children. They loudly wondered how long it would take before the trees started to bear fruit!”
An IGT Global Services After School Advantage Centre was established at the Queen Louise Home in 2010. The flagship ASA program provides computers and supporting technology that offer opportunities in the digital world for children in the territories where IGT does business. The goal is to bridge the existing “digital divide.”
Gardine commented that mangoes are one of the most popular Caribbean fruits. “At Caribbean Lottery we like to enhance the lives of those who benefit from our ASA Centres in different ways. There is much emphasis on ‘greening’ these days,” Gardine said. “These trees will not only provide great nutrition for the children, but they will no doubt take pleasure in nurturing the crops. We hope that these will be the first of many fruit trees to be planted at the Queen Louise Home.”
Sullivan expressed her gratitude. “IGT’s gift is a thoughtful one that enhances the social and nutritional aspect of the children. They are participating in the nurturing and watering of the trees. They are learning many lessons on why trees are important – providing shade and a great source of wholesome fruits.”
The Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix is a residential home for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. It houses up to 29 boys and girls. Operated by the LSSVI, it creates a safe and nurturing home environment for the children, including those with mental and physical disabilities.
