Clubs step up

Local service clubs are helping scores of needy Barbadians beat the back-to-school blues by providing vouchers and hampers.
And their intervention is being welcomed by at least two businesses who said it has been a fillip for their operations.
Yesterday, Eddie Abed, managing director of Abed’s, and Anderson Forde, floor manager at Cave Shepherd, said quite a few shoppers were using these vouchers to make purchases and this was proving a blessing at a time when sales are not booming.
“A lot of purchasers have voucher assistance from service clubs,” revealed Abed, who stated that his store had not increased their prices from last year as they recognise how difficult it was for customers.
Forde said: “We have a number of promotions going on in-store and for those holding Cave Shepherd credit cards, so we expect these will generate some business.
“What is happening too is that we are getting support from the Rotary Club in that they are offering some needy parents back-to-school vouchers to shop at Cave Shepherd, and that has also benefited us.”
Though the SATURDAY?SUN could not get a comment from a Rotary Club representative, a check with the other three major service clubs – the Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists – revealed the vouchers being distributed are just a tip of the charity iceberg.