FEEL – A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities in T&T and Beyond
January 8th, 2025
Established by Clive Pantin, a former Minister of Education and Principal of Fatima College, the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) is an umbrella civil society organisation whose contributions to the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) have left an indelible mark on our nation since its inception in 1992. Although the organisation has continued to grow and develop throughout the years, the charitable work done by FEEL still holds true to the four founding pillars of its initial mission: to alleviate poverty, support disaster prevention and response, provide medical support where needed, and foster the development of education within the non-profit sector.
Three Decades of Impact
FEEL’s charitable network consists of a variety of non-profit organisations (NPOs), including schools, religious and community-based organisations, homes for the elderly, homes for children, and institutions caring for the homeless, the socially displaced, and the differently abled. FEEL currently has over 115 member NPOs, all working together to support the most vulnerable in our society and provide relief to those affected by disasters. By collaborating closely with its network, FEEL ensures that these civil society organisations receive the vital supplies they need to carry out their operations.
One of FEEL’s main relief initiatives aims to assist both those who have been affected by natural disasters and households who have experienced what are known as ‘silent emergencies’ such as fire, flooding, or abuse. In addition, FEEL organises monthly collections and distributions of food, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, medical supplies, household items, school materials, and disaster relief essentials.
The organisation also supports 54 schools across T&T through its school support programme, which provides registered schools with donations such as stationery, cleaning supplies, and a limited quantity of school furniture and administrative equipment. Over its 32 years of service, FEEL has supported countless individuals and communities affected by natural disasters and unexpected losses, both in T&T and beyond.
Their charitable efforts extend beyond Trinidad and Tobago, providing vital assistance to neighbouring islands like Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes.
The Crucial Role of Donor Support
FEEL’s work is made possible through the generosity of its donors, both local and international. While the organisation has successfully provided relief to tens of thousands of families over the years, its ability to continue depends on the donations it receives. FEEL estimates that it requires TT$1.5 million per annum to sustain its operations. “There is an annual need for cash contributions to maintain and enhance the quantity and quality of assistance FEEL provides to registered NPO members and schools, as well as to offer knowledge and training within the non-profit sector,” remarks Wendell Constantine, CEO of FEEL.
As FEEL looks towards the future, its Chairman, Professor of Practice Dr. Sterling Frost O.R.T.T. notes the recent approval of a new four-year strategic plan which “serves to empower individuals and communities in Trinidad and Tobago by providing essential resources, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainability, all towards achieving poverty reduction and improving the standard of living in Trinidad and Tobago.” He adds that “FEEL’s new strategic plan is underpinned by improved reporting within an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, and in accordance with the reporting requirements to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago for non-profit organisations.” FEEL’s Board of Directors are Professor of Practice Dr. Sterling Frost O.R.T.T. (Chairman), Alain Laquis, Amjad Ali, Anthony Hosang, Clive Fletcher, David Dulal-Whiteway, Giselle Laronde-West, Kathryn Abdulla, Kristian Govia, Richard Lewis and Vincent Sabga.
To register NPOs with FEEL, visit FEEL’s website https://feeltt.org/ or email [email protected] or call (868) 624-7758. Donations to FEEL can also be made via their website or by joining the FEEL 1000 club whose goal is to ensure the commitment of 1,000 corporate citizens and organisations to donate TT$1,000. yearly.
By Paul Hadden
