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Rasonte Parsons, alongside her mother Sophia Parsons and sister Rashaan (behind), during the launch of Variety the Children’s Charity – Crowdfunding campaign ‘Stand Tall’ in aid of Rasonte’s new prosthetic legs.

Crowdfunding Campaign ‘Stand Tall’ to assist Rasonte Parsons

Variety the Children’s Charity is seeking to give the gift of mobility to a special young lady.

To do so, the registered charity officially launched its very first Crowdfunding Campaign “Stand Tall” at Sharkey’s Bar, Sugar Complex, St. Lawrence Gap, yesterday.

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people.

Executive Director of Variety, Donnah Russell revealed that the initial goal of $7 500 will allow Rasonte Parsons to receive the life enhancing prosthetics she needs to run, jump and play.

“In this climate of economic uncertainty, we find that donations are dwindling and are a threat to the very existence of non-profit organisations who depend on public and corporate donations to fund the services that they provide to their clients, and Variety the Children’s Charity is no different,” she pointed out.

“While we are grateful for all our faithful partners who know very well the importance of what we do, we are still very much compelled to look for new avenues for funding and new streams of sustainable income.”

Russell observed that Crowdfunding has been used to fund a wide range for-profit entrepreneurial ventures such as artistic and creative projects, medical expenses, travel, or community social entrepreneurship projects.

She is assuring all who contribute to the campaign, referred “Rainmakers”, that their funds will be put to good use, revealing that Rasonte, 15-year-old is a quadruple amputee, excited and very optimistic about life and what it has to offer. Born a ‘normal’ baby with ten fingers and ten toes, she lost both hands on March 14, 2003 and both feet on March 21, of the same year.

“I must admit that from the response – we will reach that goal,” she indicated.

“However, we have many more children with mobility needs that will benefit should we exceed the goal”.

The Executive Director also took the opportunity to welcome Courtesy Garage Ltd, as well as the Rotary Club of Barbados as Rainmakers to this worthy cause. (TL)

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