And that complicated situation is why one donor chose to give the money to Helpage rather than to the couple so that the experts can go in and assess the case before buying the necessary supplies.
Geovanni Brackett said that, with the help of other anonymous donors, they were able to quickly collect $1,000 towards the needs of the Latchman couple. Today we caught up with him and the executive director of Helpage.
Geovanni Brackett, Donor
"It's about 2 years now since I step down from COLA, then ran for election, but I built a base of sponsors who have always supported me in my philanthropic work and this is just evidence to show what I was saying back then, have a lot of silent sponsors who doesn't want their name out there and so they trust that I'll do the right thing with the funding and so I was able to collect a thousand dollars last night and I contacted Channel 7 and you all did an excellent story. If you all didn't do the story I wouldn't have been aware of the Latchman family and what they are going through. The reason why I am here at Helpage to give it to Helpage is because Miss Ivorine Bulwer and the Mr. Dakers in Belmopan, went my mom needed, because she was bigger in size, a wheel chair, they were the ones who gave me that and Helpage isn't just for people who don't have finance. I think even if you need consultation and how to adjust. People don't understand that when you are taking care of the elderly, sometimes it can be frustrating and sometimes it could be a little challenging. With all the love that you have sometimes you need advice. I know that hundred percent I can give this donation of a thousand dollars to Helpage and to Miss Ivorine Bulwer and I know that she will be able through her agency to better spread the resources."
Ivorine Bulwer, Executive Director, Helpage
"Certainly, we will go in and do an assessment. I was able to observe on the news the condition of the couple's environment, but we have got to look at some of the basic fundamental needs as it relates to the nutritional aspect and hygienic aspect, so I am seeing that one or two of the priorities will be looking at food security and sanitation care packages. I certainly think that what we are seeing is the tip of the iceberg and we are calling on neighbors all across the country to find out who are the older persons within their communities and what are their needs and how can they assist."
As we told you, the couple is in the care of the Human Services Department - and - while respecting their privacy - we'll keep following the story.
