Lyford Cay Scholars Bring Warm Smiles to Elderly

	Holding a warm, multi-hued blanket to her face as if she could inhale the scent of freshness, 86-year-old Maud smiled and reached out a hand to the young woman who had just given it to her.
The two women -- one in her 20s coiffed and college-educated, the other in her best housedress with teeth you could count on one hand - stood at the centre of the room in Unity House, a home for the elderly. Decades of differences melted. In the young woman's eyes was awe that the small gift had moved its recipient so much, in the older woman's eyes, a silent thank you. No words were exchanged.

The scene could have been between any two people anywhere separated in age by more than half a century. But it was in a rambling building on East Street South where the home had been the annual project for young Bahamians who had benefited from scholarships provided by the Lyford Cay and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundations and wanted to give back to the community. This was their final visit to Unity House, one that will not be forgotten by the college grads who make up the Lyford Cay Foundation Scholars Association or the grateful caregivers and recipients at Unity House. It was a visit that will be remembered by people like Maud every time she hugs the blanket to her chest.

"The (Lyford Cay) Foundation has afforded me so many opportunities that I feel honoured to give something back," said Nakira Gaskins-Wilchcombe, a two-time scholarship recipient heading off to earn her Master's degree at Florida Institute of Technology and one of more than 1000 alumni who have attended colleges, universities or technical training institutes with financial assistance from the Lyford Cay Foundation. "I think it's so important to say thank-you because it's basically through the kindness of strangers that we - and hundreds of other young Bahamians - have had the chance to fulfill our educational dreams."

According to Monique Hinsey, co-ordinator of the Lyford Cay Scholars' Association, Lyford Cay alumni have assisted Unity House over the year with greatly needed repairs. They've painted the interior, cleaned the grounds, and repaired plumbing. They've also supplied groceries. "It will be interesting to see what organization the Association chooses to adopt next year for there are so many that need volunteers and friends."

	On this special day of their last visit, the students played Santa, balancing boxes and containers brimming with special gifts. For 33 residents of Unity House, the gifts and the presence of their givers were a symbol that someone remembered them. It was not merely soft sheets, blankets and towels the group brought. It was a sense that someone cared.