Grenadians in Toronto are responding to an appeal for assistance to help facilitate a visit to Ontario by 20 primary school students from Grenada. In one of the latest gestures in support of the visitors, who will be arriving in Canada on May 2, members of the Toronto support group of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have donated $200 to Pastor Yvonne Drakes. Grenadian-born Drakes, head of Toronto‘s Trinity Divine Outreach Ministries, is coordinating the students’ education exchange programme. In making the presentation to the pastor, the chairman of NDC Toronto told her that it’s the intention of the organization, which was formed last September, to participate fully in social, political and cultural activities involving Grenadians in the community. “We’ll do whatever is within our means to assist,” chairman Lincoln Toro Depradine said.  “We hope our modest contribution would assist in making this programme a success.” “Every little bit helps,” Pastor Drakes responded.  “God bless you and your organization.” The Grenadians, ranging in age from 10 to 12, will be guests of students at Holy Cross Roman Catholic School in Malton, Ontario. As hosts, the Malton students and their families will provide living accommodation for the visiting Grenadians. “We hope to take 20 students from Holy Cross R.C. to Grenada in the future,” said Pastor Drakes, who visited Grenada in January as part of the planning and preparation for the youngsters’ stay in Canada.  She also has been working closely with Jenny Gumbs, Grenada‘s Consul-General in Toronto. The objectives of the exchange programme, said Pastor Drakes, are to increase cultural awareness and understanding among the students and to provide them with a “holistic approach to life.” The visit ends May 17 with the students’ return to their two primary schools in Grenada.  

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