October 28, 2011 – Mandeville, Jamaica…Nigel Coke/IAD
The Bryds family – mother Sharon, and sons, one year-old Joshua, nine year-old Simon and 16 year-old Matthew – were the beneficiary of a donation of $200,000.00 towards the completion of a new two-bedroom home. The presentation was made by members of the NCU Media Group on Oct. 26, 2011.
The family is the victim of a fire, which destroyed their two-bedroom home in Kendal, Manchester in 2007. They currently live in a one-bedroom board shack, which has serious leaking problems whenever it rains. They are also in need of proper bathroom facilities.
The funds were made available through a fundraising concert that launched the Children’s Time radio program aired on NCU FM 91.1 and 91.3, earlier this month at the NCU Gymnatorium in Mandeville, Jamaica.
“We became aware of the challenges that existed with this family when an outreach group called Help-a-Child Ministry asked us to assist,” said Keisha Francis, producer of Children’s Time. “After a needs analysis was done we started working with them on their immediate need of food and short term funding. We then highlighted their plight on-air and decided to turn the launch of Children’s Time into a benefit concert for the family.”
In addition to the cash, the family also received a trip for four to the all-inclusive Beaches Boscobell in Ocho Rios, along with a gift basket with food items, books and toys.
“I am really feeling happy knowing that someone has stepped out for us, said Sandra Byrd. “It is very encouraging to know that God answers prayers. I have been praying a lot about it and today God has come through in a good way for us. This will help us to build on the structure that we have already started”
“Our mantra at NCU is that we care,” said Mr. Everett Wiles, acting managing director of the NCU Media Group. “We don’t’ want to just say it, but also live it. We want people to experience and benefit from it. We cannot just be in the community, but we must have the community be a part of us and we need to care for individuals who are less fortunate. This is not something that is a one off activity, but what we intend to do going forward.”
Children’s Time program is aired every Saturday morning at 8:00 am with host Aunty Keisha. The broadcast gives children the opportunity to express themselves and share their talents, while sharing the love of God to listeners.
“One of the main aims of the program is to reach out to people near and far to draw them closer to God and to lend a helping hand to those who are need,” added Francis. “We praise God for those who have partnered with us and assisted in making families like the Byrds happy.”
