"Non Governmental organizations wishing to garner the support of businesses must have a solid strategic plan, deliverables and a proper balance sheet," Managing Director of the Ikemba African Art Gallery, Michael Maghiro told the gathering of persons turning out to witness the official; launch of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation and Sow a Seed Thanksgiving service.
The event was held last Wednesday, at Honey Crunch Bakery and Deli situated on the By Road, St Kitts.
A number of persons were in attendance among them being Minister of Social Development, the Hon. Dr Earl Asim Martin, Constituency One Representative for The Peoples Action Movement, Glenroy Blanchett, Ann Wigley and members of the Herbert family.
Maghiro noted that he is aroused and pleased to see the giant step that Pastor Desmond is making aptly putting it, "placed his hands into his pockets so as to get the foundation off the ground." Michael who is a Nigerian national living and working in St Maarten where he has a major business made a significant donation to the foundation while committing to make regular donations so as to aid in the foundation's work.
Pastor Herbert responding on behalf of the many persons who he pointed out volunteered their services to the foundation in establishing it said that he was thankful. He noted that persons can assist with the growth and development of the foundation noting that they can give in cash, kind or service.
Maghiro who himself executes similar feeding programme in St Marten while he is a major contributor to a number of NGO's praised the foundation's executives for its prudent management thus far, accountability and vision which has helped to guarantee that the foundation begins to attract attention which he said will rebound into support.
"Once business begins to take note of what is happening then they would be willing and eager to assist and I am glad that the foundation while officially launching today has been around for some months doing its work quietly," he said.
He commended Pastor Herbert and his team for possessing the foresight and leadership which he said will help in keeping the foundation growing and expanding. "I have seen a number of foundations and organizations being established where there are no clear vision and passion as to what direction the founders want it t go but fortunately this foundation today is different as there is not only a clear vision but there is also an undying passion which will help it over the bumps in life," Maghiro said.
The St Maarten based businessman added that the development and growth of any organizations depends heavily on those that are leading it, as without proper leadership there will be no success. He pointed out that with the current global recession and the challenges faced by many economies it has forced business entities to be very sensible with their investments.
"I can tell you as a businessman that you now have to put your money where it can have a multiplying effect and offers significant mileage as that is what helps in keeping us going." He further stated that apart from the aforementioned features, the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation is the only Christian related foundation that has sought to provide a progress and other reports to its donors and sponsors at the end of every project or programme.
He urged members and potential members of the foundation to not only to be good ambassadors for Jesus Christ, but also to those who will be yearning to garner this assistance and help. "Remember that you must always see your role as volunteers as too many times people create the impression that they are volunteering but in the end still looks for payment".
Another point of note that Michael Maghiro mentioned was that sponsors are more interested in organizations who they can feel very confident and comfortable about being associated with without the fear of negative comments or consequences, but who can be more of a positive influence to the communities and people that they serve.