International Men’s Day was first celebrated in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, Professor of History, University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, to commemorate his father’s birth anniversary.
It has been celebrated on 19 November, annually since that inception date, as an opportunity to raise issues that concern men and boys. The theme for 2022 was, “Helping men and boys”, which was aimed at celebrating the positive contribution of men to this world, families, and communities and to promote their well-being.
Father Mallaghan’s Home, established in 2015, which currently provides shelter and support for fifteen boys, ranging from 12 to 18 years old, fittingly takes note of the annual occasion. Kevin Evelyn, a supervisor at the boy’s home said; “our aim is to provide a stable and safe environment as we strive to work with the young men in our care. Our utmost wish is that they leave us skilled enough, on all levels, to be able to enjoy a productive and fulfilling role in the community and beyond. The support of the bank with funds donated to us over the last few years is heart-warming and greatly appreciated,” he concluded.
Billy De Roche, Retail Banking Manager, was pleased to hand over the funds to the boy’s home noting “we all know the saying ‘one, one dumpling fills the pot!’ Whatever support we can give such institutions on a corporate and personal level, can play a part in the betterment of the lives of these young persons. That is a priceless opportunity!”
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s male team of 11, has plans to commemorate the special date by holding their own discussion forum around the theme for the day.
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