Paramaribo – On December 2nd, the Rosebel Community Fund (RCF) marked its 5th anniversary with the annual Christmas Charity event, at Courtyard by Marriott. This year’s celebration, coinciding with World Disability Day (December 3rd), reaffirms the RCF’s commitment to supporting Suriname’s “silent heroes” — social institutions that care for disabled children, orphans, boarding schools, and the elderly. This initiative was primarily initiated by Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (RGM) and since 2022 has supported it through its funding vehicle, RCF. RGM is the sole financier of RCF, which supports sustainable community development projects within its area of interest and Suriname as a whole.
The RCF Christmas Charity Event 2024 is a heartfelt initiative aimed at honoring and supporting organizations which tirelessly improve the lives of the less fortunate, often with limited resources or recognition. During the event, RCF will officially hand over donations to 20 institutions, enabling them to acquire essential items such as appliances, furnishings, and supplies. These contributions are designed to provide lasting support and foster a sense of joy during the holiday season.
To honor this milestone RCF allocated a donation budget of $50,000, providing financial support of $2,500 for each institution. These funds aim to empower caregivers and organizations dedicated to caring for vulnerable members of society, particularly individuals with disabilities.
In this year’s event, the following institutes are contemplated:
Social Institutes: | Boarding schools: |
· StiGeSu · Stichting Lotjeshuis · Huize Tyltyl · Kennedy Stichting · Kinderhuis Sukh – Dhaam · Stichting Betheljada · Het Nationale Blinden Centrum · Stichting Kanaries Welzijnbevordering · Centrum Matoekoe · Kinderhuis Johanna · Stichting Mytylschool · Mr. Huber Stichting · Therapeutisch Dagcentrum Anniecreche · Leger Des Heils-Suriname | · Meisjesinternaat Balingsoela · Meisjesinternaat Siswa Tama · Meisjesinternaat Wisma Karijawatie · Meisjesinternaat Soendersingh · Jongensinternaat Elisabethshof · Christoforus Internaat |
Qianjie Wang, Chair of the Rosebel Community Fund and General Manager of Rosebel Gold Mines, emphasized in his speech the vital role these organizations play in addressing the daily challenges faced by various groups in society. Despite limited resources and often little recognition, their tireless efforts make a significant impact. He reaffirmed RCF’s commitment to supporting organizations and initiatives that promote resilience and inclusivity within the Surinamese community.
During the event, a presentation was held by Cerebral Palsy Suriname about Cerebral Palsy (CP), a project of the Faculty of Medicine in Suriname, which started as an initiative to register children with CP to collect data regarding the prevalence of CP in Suriname, and now organizes symposiums to bring more awareness among health professionals and parents of these children. CP Suriname was represented by Ms. Ruby Chin a Fat, physiotherapist; Ms. Seemran Nandlal, physician; Fenna Walhain, motion scientist; and Ms. Ridulcia Amoko, mother of a child with CP. Ms. Amoko, shared how these initiatives and social gatherings are important opportunities to connect with other families and healthcare professionals, creating a supportive space for sharing experiences and exploring the potential of these children.
During the closing toast, members of the RCF board, Mr. Henk Faerber, Treasurer, and Ms. Nalini Mahabir, Secretary, reflected on the Rosebel Community Fund’s five years of existence. They provided a brief review of its achievements and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions, which have made the successful delivery of each project possible. Beneficiary institutions also shared their heartfelt gratitude for the RCF’s support and expressed appreciation for the event, viewing it as a meaningful recognition of their daily efforts and dedication.
RCF’s 5th anniversary and the annual Christmas Charity event highlight its enduring commitment to fostering resilience and inclusivity in Suriname’s communities. By supporting caregivers and social institutions, RCF continues to build a foundation of hope and sustainability for the nation’s most vulnerable populations. The Foundation looks forward to collaborating further with organizations that share its mission of supporting initiatives that enable the Surinamese community to achieve sustainable development.
