THE Elroy Philips AIDS Centre at Lazaretto Complex, Walmer Lodge, St Michael, has been given a financial fillip thanks to a Barbados overseas organisation.

The money, raised by the Barbados Cultural Organisation in London, was presented last week by this island's Deputy High Commissioner to Britain, Herbie Yearwood.

Funds were raised through a dinner/dance, and cricket match last June.

The group has been donating funds to Barbados charities for seven years and during that period more than $120 000 has been distributed.

During last week's presentation, Felicia Inniss, assistant supervisor at the Centre said: "I was pleasantly surprised. I did not know that we were remembered by the people so far away. I'm grateful that people are thinking that what we are doing is good . . . . The demand is great for a centre like this."

The centre has been in operation for about 12 years. It falls under the Domicile HIV/AIDS Care Programme of the Ministry of Health. (KB)