Being in the service industry, we are pitched opportunities to help several times a month. When we are approached this often, the decision has to be made - who to help. I've always asked myself, "Where can I do the most good?".When approached by Irie Kids nonprofit, I asked myself the same question. I was told about the success of the nonprofit in a previous drive to bring fresh, clean water to the school. This caught my attention. If they didn't have clean water then what else don't they have? I was also told about this nonprofit buying bus passes to get children to school safely. They normally walk a windy and mountainous road. It was hard to believe. I asked if I could see for myself. I was accepted as a volunteer. I scheduled and paid for my flight to St. Lucia. I accompanied other volunteers. When we arrived at the school, we were faced with the opportunity to assemble some musical installments previously sent by Irie Kids Inc. Once assembled, some of the volunteers played some music. Within seconds, little smiles began to peep in through the doorways. The children were apprehensive at first. A few brave souls came in and tried the new equipment. Soon the room was flooded with beautiful children and then packed. So much so that we moved into the courtyard. Without the equipment we resorted to a blue tooth speaker one of the volunteers brought with him. We lined up the kids and began the Cha Cha Slide. More and more joined in. There must have been close to 150 children dancing, giggling and smiling. Once that song was over, the kids went back to their lessons. Then we walked around to look at the school itself. The roof was almost completely rust color. Moving closer, I could see layers of rust almost 2 inches thick under the sheet metal roof. The welds on the support posts were coroded through. There was a 6 foot tall cyclone fence surrounding the school with 2 feet of barbed wire on top. After asking why, I was shown the vegetable garden the staff and children had put together for school lunches. Outsiders actually raid it. Another look at the fence showed evidence of that. There were holes big enough to climb through. Then we entered several class rooms. I could see areas of the ceiling missing or hanging down. The sheet metal roof was visible. There was clearly water damage and heavy mold. It was sad. I have participated in a few volunteer projects. None like this. I have seen the need first hand. I have also seen some of the results Irie Kids have delivered. I am a believer in Irie Kids Inc. I will do whatever I can to continue helping. This is where I can do the most good.
Irie Kids, Inc. has been providing our community with free food items since the start of COVID. The Peanut Butter Pantry makes sure that children don’t go to bed hungry. We can not thank the members of this organization enough for their continued generosity.
I live in St Lucia and four of my children have attended this school. It has long been in need of repair, Irie Kids came along and helped so many, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Irie Kids for all you have done for the students and staff of the La Croix Maingot Combined School! You are truly a blessing!
Amazing organization for such a worthy cause. These kids have a bright future thanks to Irie Kids and they do deserve it.
I gladly donate to this organization because the people who work for it have amazing hearts. Keep up the good work everyone. You continue to have my support. xoxo. CR
I've interacted with so many of these volunteers. They are incredible & passionate about these kids!
I'm so excited I got the opportunity to put these kids first before myself. It's the best feeling ever to help others to have a better future! Please take a moment to read this! And donate if you can every $1 counts!
I had the pleasure of going to St Lucia for my honeymoon in March. In doing research on the Villa Papallion where we stayed, we saw that they had an Non-Profit organization for a local school. We were touched by the needs of these children. We wanted to help, so we donated. We were able to go visit the school, see the kids and meet the staff when we were there. We decided at that time that we wanted to help the organization with raising money to get a new roof for the school, running water, supplies, etc. It has been an absolute honor to be apart of helping these children. This is a real organization that truly cares, gives and loves. "Love not Profit"
John 15:12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.
It is truly an honor to be working with Iris Kids Inc,Last year we started doing some renovation works at the La Croix combined school, we installed water tanks, new toilets, face basin, liquid soap dispenser, hand blower and toilet paper holder.
Being involved directly with the project manager William Roberts was awesome,it gave me great joy and satisfaction to know we made a huge difference in lives of those kids.thank you to all the percents who came out to help. It is absolutely about love not profit
It is such an honor to be a donor to Irie Kids Inc. My brother in law & sister are board members, so I personally know the magnitude of dedication, heart and love that is poured into this organization. The videos shared of the children and all the amazing improvements Irie Kids Inc. melt my heart. So many bright and wonderful things are ahead. Blessings all around! ❤
Over the years, I have been hesitant to donate to any charity or non-profit due to the fact you never know where the money is going. With Irie Kids I, personally, know a number of the volunteers, who are doing great work. I know exactly where the money is going. From installing water filtration systems, making school improvements, and providing transportation to and from school, for the kids. Keep up the great work. You are making a difference, in a positive way.
Two thumbs up to irie kids for their generosity towards the marigot community. They have giving the marigot children tranporation for school.
Irie kids have managed to put a smile on the faces on the children on the Christmas holidays and have been a great help to the children.
The La Croix school has received donations from irie kids water tanks, musical instruments, umbrellas and many more
I am so excited about donating to Irie Kids Inc because I know the money is really going to help the kids. It is good to hear of the things that are being done for them. It is sad to think of the kids getting wet and needing umbrella's when it's raining because they need a new roof. Also it would be nice if they could get a bus to bus the kids to school but that means more money needed. My daughter & son in law are involved with the Irie Kids Inc so I know first hand the money goes to the kids. I am looking forward to good results at the Irie Kids Benefit July 28th. Thanks to all who are helping these kids. God Bless you.
Irie Kids Inc is an AMAZING nonprofit. I learned about it from a few friends of mine who volunteer and who have worked with these kids first hand. The people who volunteer have the biggest hearts and would give the shirt off their back. I have seen some of the things that have been done through Irie Kids Inc and I cannot believe how much a little love and donations can do. Not only are these volunteers getting clean water, music education and shelter to these kids but they are showing them love, caring and happiness!!
I was introduced to Irie Kids through a couple of friends on social media who are involved. As they talked about their love and excitement for the organization, and watching the videos of their visits with these kids, you cannot help but be moved. I am honored to have learned about Irie kids, and to be even a small part if it. In a world where our kids want xbox, play station and an Ipad, these kids are wishing for a roof over their heads that doesn't leak at school. What more can be said? ❤
This non profit has become close to my heart. Seeing the impact just a few dollars; it can change and impact so much. I’m so happy to be following this page and help as much as I can
This group is highly motivated and energetic. Their commitment to greatly improving the quality of life and education is amazing. I have seen and talked to volunteers who are passionate about giving these children the best possible opportunity. If you have the ability to support them in any way, your help will not only be greatly appreciated, but will make an actual difference for these children.
I want to thank iris kids for all their hard work , support and dedication towards the kids and parents of the community of Marigot, The La Croix Main got Combined School and kids all over St.Lucia for their generous donations and all that they've been doing.
Iriekidsinc 07/02/2018
We are so happy to be working hand in hand with parents, teachers and community leaders. Thanks for sharing and for posting pictures!
Irie Kids has been a great source of help to not only to my daughter and myself but to all the kids and parents of Marigotand the Last Croix Maingot Combined School .I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart , may God continue to bless you for all your hard work and dedication . Keep up the good work;way to go Irie Kids
So excited to learn about this nonprofit and what they are trying to achieve for these children. Everyone I have had contact with is truly passionate for the right reasons. I will help spread the word for them because it is all for the children.
Iriekidsinc 07/02/2018
Thanks Katie! Irie Kids is an organization made up of volunteers. No salaries are taken. Every penny donated goes directly to helping children. It’s all about “LOVE”
I am very excited and honored to be working with Irie Kids Inc. I can not say enough thanks to personal family members and friends on social media that has contributed funding. It nice to be part of a non profit organization where you really get to see the results In person. I recently just returned from the school with a couple of Volunteers that helped install a music room. Seeing these kids for the first time in there playing instruments was so awesome to exsperenice. Spending hands on time with these kids gives me absolute joy and look forward to helping in any way we can. It truly is about Love, not Profit. Tony Schimmel, Irie Kids Board Member
This nonprofit is amazing!! All the events they put on are so much fun! I had a blast getting this picture with this group of volunteers and everyone supporting by buying wristbands. Really looking forward to the next fundraiser at Hoppers on July 28th! Supporting these kids gives me so much joy. Education is so important to me and knowing there are kids that can’t even sit in their classroom without getting rained on because of leaks in there roof is deeply saddening. I look forward to helping this nonprofit in any way that I can and helping to spread the word to help these amazing kids!
Iriekidsinc 07/02/2018
Thank you for supporting our efforts Katelin. I’m glad you are having fun while participating in helping a great cause!
Yes! I am so excited to have found this page. My introduction to Irie Kids is when a couple I know were going to St. Lucia for thier honey moon. They posted to local friends requesting we pitch in to help these kids get freshs drinking water to thier school in St Lucia. The request for help was only 6 days before they flew out there. Truthfully, it seemed like a stretch to make any serious impact. Tony (new groom) said anything helps. So, of course I pitched in, but so did a lot of other people. Some gave 5 or 10 bucks. Others through in $50. Then they left and returned from the honeymoon. A few weeks later, the honeymooners received and posted pictures of the result. Installed water tanks with filtration at the school. I figured we bought some pallets of water. I couldn't believe how so little went so far. Unbelievable how GREAT it felt. Thank you Irie Kids Inc. for being the real deal, prepared and ready, delivering quick result and following up with us. You made me want to be more involved. LOVE THIS!!! Thanks Tony and DeeAnn for inviting me to help.
Comments ( 1 )
Iriekidsinc 07/02/2018 Jason, Thank you for sharing your experience as an Irie Kids volunteer and your continued support.