The Ranfurly Home for Children has provided a home for Bahamian children from the ages of two to sixteen since it began operating in February, 1956. The average number of children is forty, housed in three wings - one for young children, a second for older girls and a third for older boys.
During the General Hardware store fire in Nassau in 1953, Lady Ranfurly* discovered children living in cardboard boxes and sleeping in alleyways. Lady Ranfurly vowed to see a home for homeless children built in the Bahamas. Lady Ranfurly took the plight of these children to the members of the Queen Mary's Sewing Guild, who met monthly at Government House. The group formed the nucleas of what soon became a company, a Home, and the Ranfurly Homes for Children.
(*Hermione Countess of Ranfurly (1913-2001), wife of Thomas Daniel Knox, 6th Earl of Ranfurly, then Royal Governor to the then Colony of the Bahama Islands.)
Finances
The Home's annual running costs are approximately $230,000 (US/BSD). The Home receives a modest annual Government Grant. All other monies must be raised by appealing to the general public for support and through various fund-raising drives.
Increasing costs of upkeep, maintenance, food, clothing, electricity, water and salaries are not currently being met by an equal response from the public.
Donations
The Ranfurly Home is always in need of funds. Cash, cheques, gifts in kind (i.e. food, clothing, fruit, milk, furniture, equipment and school supplies) are all welcomed.
The Home is presently in urgent need of dining room furniture and a bus to transport the children to/from school and extra-curricular activities.
Membership
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The Home's membership is drawn from the general public. An annual subscription is $50.
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| Inquiries: |
| Postal Address: P O Box N-1413, Nassau, Bahamas |
| Telephone: +1 242 393-3115 |
| Fax: +1 242 394-0834 |
| E-mail: [email protected] |
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