LNG producer Atlantic helped the Happy Haven Home in Woodland live up to its name when a team of 50 Atlantic employees and their families led by CEO Nigel Darlow worked to create a new kitchen garden, playground, computer room and classroom for the Home’s 19 children on May 22, the United Way Day of Caring.
The Atlantic employees and their families dug dirt beds and planted a wide variety of herbs, plants and vegetables in the new kitchen garden. In the playground area, new swing sets were installed and were immediately put into delighted use by Haven Home’s younger children. Most of the Atlantic efforts though were spent repainting and repairing some of the rooms at the Home, including the kitchen, the boys’ bedroom and the computer room which had been recently outfitted by Atlantic with new chairs and computers. The Atlantic team also created a small classroom area in the library, using comfortable tablet chairs.
Tameeka Luces-Lima, Atlantic’s Contractual Service Agreement (CSA) Analyst and Coordinator of the company’s United Way Employee Committee explained that the company had been participating in the National Day of Caring since 2012.
“It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into it that matters, and I think that is the biggest motivation for all of us at Atlantic, the joy of sharing love with these children,” Luces-Lima said. “Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s wellbeing. What better way is there to connect with your community? As a volunteer, you return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.”
Happy Haven provides a sanctuary to 19 residents from 4 to 17 years assigned by the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. Established in 2011, the Home aims to provide a nurturing environment for the youngsters, helping them to grow and develop and achieve their full potential.