News
St. Christopher Children's Home Receives Financial Donation from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine's Seventh Semester Class
04/21/11
Representatives of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine's seventh semester class present donation to the St. Christopher Children's Home.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts—The St. Christopher Children’s Home received a monetary contribution from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine’s (RUSVM) April 2011 seventh semester class. The donation, in the amount of fourteen thousand dollars (EC $14,000), was given to the Children’s Home to be used in the daily operations of the facility.
The RUSVM April 2011 seventh semester students (just over one hundred students in total) just completed their last semester of studies in St. Kitts and will be leaving for their final year of veterinary clinical coursework at various veterinary schools throughout the United States. The students spend 2.25 years in St. Kitts and have been raising money for various class projects throughout those years.
The donated funds were a combination of those monies raised and funds received from the student government association that is allocated to the class for activities. The students chose for the funds to be given back to the community to demonstrate their by gratitude for the hospitality that has been shown to them by the citizens of St. Kitts.
The financial contribution was presented to Mr. Sebastian Mottram, chairperson of the St. Christopher Children’s Home and Service League by Mr. Frank Swartzel, seventh semester class representative, and other members of the class at a brief ceremony at the Home. Board members of the St. Christopher Children’s Home and Service League along with representatives from RUSVM attended the ceremony.
“I happy to present this gift to the St. Christopher Children’s Home on behalf of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine’s seventh semester class,” said Swartzel. “We are thankful for the experience and the opportunity to study in St. Kitts and we are honored to be able to show our appreciation in this manner,” stated the proud student.
Mottram expressed words of appreciation to RUSVM and the students for their donation and support of the Home’s ongoing commitment to the Youth in St. Kitts.
“Thank you for this generous contribution, I was excited to hear about the donation yesterday, but extremely heartfelt when I heard of the amount,” said Mottram. “This donation is very timely and most a welcomed gift, which will be put to good use to greatly assist us in continuing the purpose of the St. Christopher Children’s Home. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness.”
Ms. Jodi Peeler, Assistant Dean for Communications and External Relations, represented the administration of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She explained the importance of the school’s mission and the focus on student initiatives.
“On behalf of the University, Peeler shared how proud the administration was of the students and their success in their studies, but also their commitment of service,” said Peeler.
She also added that “part of the mission of RUSVM is to improve the well being of animals and society, we focus those efforts in St. Kitts, and we strive to enhance student skills to become successful veterinarians, but more importantly, to be successful members of society. This donation is possible because of the students, it was their idea, the students raised the money for this donation, the students made this happen - St. Kitts becomes a significant part of their life after attending school and giving back is just a way to show their appreciation.”
The presentation took place earlier today at the Children’s Home, on Cardin Avenue in Basseterre. It was attended by representatives of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), other Board members of the St. Christopher Children’s Home and Service League, and members of the press.
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About the St. Christopher Children’s Home
The St. Christopher Children’s Home was constructed and established by the St. Christopher Children’s Home and Service League Association Limited, which was developed in September 1935. The Children’s Home was officially opened in January 1950. The home is a place of safety for children, up to 19 years of age, who are at risk in the community and who do not otherwise have a place to live. The residents are mainly child abuse victims, neglected or abandoned children, orphans, or those placed there by court order.
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, West Indies, the School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE, 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-925-8070). to offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program. The School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the U.S. and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Media Contacts:
Jodi Peeler
Assistant Dean, External Relations & Communications
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
869-465-4161 x149 * 869-662-3375 cell
jpeeler@rossvet.edu.kn
Dominic Matthew
Public Relations Committee
St. Kitts Children’s Home
869-663-0719
dominic.matthew@tdcltd.com
