Two local charities are benefitting from generous contributions made by the Abed Charitable Foundation, started in the memory of well known businessman Shouket Abed.

Donations were made recently to the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Barbados, as well as the Bridge of Hope, by surviving widow Milly Abed, who turned 80 years old on Thursday, January 13, 2011.

Milly said the family wanted to carry on Mr. Abed’s legacy by following his example of giving generously to those in need.

“Shouket was well known for his charitable donations, commitment to giving back to the community, and unwavering support of several agencies working to improve the life of those less fortunate than ourselves. We, the Abed family, remain committed to continuing this legacy in his memory.”

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Barbados, was Immediate Past President, Mary Thompson, who said the funds would go towards cost associated with programmes run at the local shelter for battered and abused women:

“These funds will be used to purchase assessment tools for the children of the battered women we assist, many of whom have shown signs of trauma linked to the abuse suffered by their mothers. I want to publicly commend the Abed Charitable Foundation for recognizing this as an issue requiring serious support, because most persons are aware of the cause but fail to provide tangible support.”

Father Clement Paul, in representing the Bridge of Hope Foundation, said the donation by the Abed family would go a long way in financing the assistance they provide to 60 plus families affected by the AIDS virus:

“Our programme, run by Sister Angilla Corraspe of the Roman Catholic Church, distributes basic food stuff on a monthly basis to these families, and in some cases clothing and schooling. Although Governments and other agencies provide assistance to these families there are those who fall through the cracks, and these are the ones we target. However, it is a costly undertaking, which makes this donation very valuable at a time when the economic recession has reduced individuals’ capacity to provide assistance to this cause.”

The family of Shouket Abed has vowed to continue their support to such causes, honouring Mr. Abed’s name and his legacy.