Mt Pleasant to continue COVID relief response this week

Mount Pleasant Academy, led by owner Peter Gould and wife Amanda, rolled out its COVID-19 relief response for St Ann last Friday, distributing food items across the parish.

General manager David Galloway said they intend to follow it up with another expedition this week.

Galloway explained that they tried to cover many communities in the parish, but they were unable to make it to some areas because of time constraints.

However, the communities they didn't get a chance to visit during Friday's trip will be targeted for supplies the next time they venture out.

"It (relief response) was well accepted by the people who received them, and they asked when we would be coming back again. We didn't get the chance to give everybody, so we are planning to hit the trail soon again, so as soon as we get the things sorted out we will visit the areas we didn't get to touch," he told STAR Sports.

"We tried to cover as much of the parish as we could, from the border of St Ann and St Mary to the border of St Ann and Manchester, and St Ann and Trelawny. There were almost 60 to 70 communities and we covered almost everywhere. But there were some areas we didn't get to touch because of the hours, as we didn't want to be on the road too late, but we plan to hit the other areas. We are thinking of one day this week but we are not sure as yet, as the suppliers are having bit of a challenge getting the stuff, but we will roll out as soon as we get them."

Safety protocols

Distribution of the goods was carried out mainly by the club's players and staff, who were also briefed on safety protocols before hitting the streets. "It was done by players and staff both from the school and the football team, and a few volunteers from the community. Before we went on the road, we reminded everyone that we had to maintain safety regulations, so everyone was in their mask and had hand sanitiser, so even though it's risky, persons need help and some people have to sacrifice to make others happy," he declared.

The gift bags for the residents contain mainly food items and toiletries. "Most people were satisfied and happy," Galloway added.

Mount Pleasant Academy was formed in 2016 by Gould. The club gained promotion to the Red Stripe Premier League in 2018 and made it to the semi-finals in their first season. The club has also earned a reputation as big spenders in local football.