Humanitarians dedicate their lives to making a positive impact on their communities, their country and the world, often sacrificing their own well-being for the betterment of others.
Patricia Mc Almon, also known as Obby, was a well-known entrepreneur in West Berbice and a humanitarian, known for her famous puri and contributions to youths in her community and nearby communities, as she utilised funding from her business to provide them with stationeries, clothing amongst other items. Her work was driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to alleviate suffering.
“Patricia entered the world quietly and left peacefully…One of the admirable characteristics she possessed was her unique love and care for people and animals….,” her sisters told Village Voice News.
Her selfless acts of kindness and dedication to helping others made a profound impact on countless lives.
Patricia’s work was deemed a passion project, spanning from 2012 up until September, 2021, when she passed at age 44, at the Mahaicony/Cottage Hospital.
After her death, her sisters Rondale McAlmon, Alicia McAlmon- Sears and her son, Bradley launched ‘Obby’s Humanitarian Foundation’ — a Non-Governmental Organisation in honour of the late Patricia McAlmon, thereby continuing her humanitarian work.
The NGO’s main aim will be to push Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education) and provide underprivileged youths with school supplies and other items.
Alicia said, “The things she’s done and the lives she’s touched are too many to mention. Patricia was not rich with money but the little she had was enough to go around our little community. She provided funding to children and young adults to go to school whether bus fare, school bags, school uniforms. These are all things she did frequently. She was passionate about education and always believed that kindness should be reciprocated.”
She further added, “Every birthday (both her and her son) she would cook, purchase drinks amongst other items. That will then be shared with the kids at my Sunday School at the Union (No.30) Food For The Poor housing Scheme. On Sundays, she also bought and provided snacks for the kids at my Sunday school.”
Rondale stated, “After the death of my late sister, I discussed with my sister and nephew about Patricia’s legacy. And we decided that we’ll pool our resources and continue her work, as such we decided to launch the NGO.”
Alicia stated, “On her last birthday, she prepared packages, I invited the youths at my home and she distributed her packages. They prayed for her and we had an enjoyable time, not knowing that would be the last.”
During September, 2022 for Patricia’s one-year death anniversary, the trio bought school supplies, drinks and prepared snacks. This was then packaged off and given to over 62 youths at No.30 Scheme as they were preparing for the new school term.
The trio distributed stationeries for Patricia’s one-year death anniversary.
Bradley, CEO & co-founder of the NGO and well-known STEM and tech enthusiast partnered with Seeta Dalloo and taught robotics and digital skills to youths in Blairmont.
They also received about 70 packs of Rice Krispies, a rice-based cereal from Morning Glory, produced by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus. This was also distributed to the kids in No.30 housing scheme.
Bradley also noted that he received clothing from a friend which he distributed.
Further he added, “Through Cassidy’s Charity Box, I received haversacks (with stationeries), as well as some amount of cash, which was used to purchase items for children. I also distributed several hampers to families during Christmas.”
Patricia’s death was a major loss to her family and community, however, her legacy lives on through the many lives she impacted, whether through business or her humanitarian work.
Patricia’s dedication to helping others serves as an inspiration to us. Her selflessness and compassion remind us of the power of humanity and the importance of working towards a better world.
Persons interested in supporting this initiative can connect via Facebook
(@Obby HumanitarianFoundation/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088479132199&mibextid=LQQJ4d
