The rest of the quotation goes “and justice begins next door”. It was written by Charles Dickens in 1844 in his novel “Martin Chuzzlewit”.

The relevance is as true today as it was then. One doesn’t have to look far from my own doorstep to see poverty. Right behind my home I see it. When I was driving my car this morning on my way to the Prospect Playhouse in Red Bay I saw it.

What made it more meaningful to me was I was to be interviewed by a reporter from CITN-Cayman27 as they were doing a piece on the history of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) Telethon. I was the first producer of the telethon along with Pat Bynoe (Mr. Clark hadn’t appeared on the scene, then).

I smiled all the time I was reading Carol Winker’s article in the Caymanian Compass on the even earlier days of the NCVO radiothon. Television wasn’t around when the first radiothon started on 3^rd December 1979. It raised CI$10,775.75 over twice the target figure of $5,000.

I agree with Carol when she said the most fun was “in listening to directions the announcers gave to volunteers who drove around to collect donations: “the second house after you turn right by the big breadfruit tree” was the best address in a time before house numbers.”

I remember being highly amused at hearing Olive Miller’s voice coming across the airwaves as she kept interrupting Loxley Banks, then Radio Cayman’s Programme Director, to tell the hordes of money collectors to “toot a couple of times” so the house owner could keep the dog at bay. That still applies today at our house even our dog’s name is Sugar!

The entertainment in those days was mainly provided by stalwarts Jack and Evelyn Andresen who would sing requested songs at a price – a donation! Now the entertainment is professional and provided by the majority of Cayman’s top musicians. The money raised has gone up to $130,000.

So, before sending off your donation off island – remember charity does begin at home.

Note: The National Council of Voluntary Organisations hosts its 33rd annual fundraiser on Saturday, 3 November. See today’s story “NCVO Broadcasts LIVE on Cayman 27”.

Joan Wilson wrote this poem in 1995 and it is still applicable today:

“IT’S MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE”

Even though it makes us all happy to receive a gift now and then,

There are those who are less fortunate and don’t know where and when

They will get their next meal or have money to spend,

On simple necessities of life.

Numerous fundraisers are held throughout the year

By various clubs for those folk they hold so very dear.

Both young and old are without, I fear,

But our small tokens of love will bring some cheer,

And hope that someone cares.

The National Council of Voluntary Organizations (better known as NCVO)

Are doing a fantastic job in providing care for the young and the old.

They attend to their every need each and every day

And no one, I repeat no one, is ever turned away.

But they need funds to continue these services

So phone us at 946-6136 and give us your pledges.

Come on, pick up that ‘phone and give us a call.

Give us your pledges, no matter how small,

For it is only through giving that we will be blessed

In bringing the less fortunate some happiness.