Barbados Today

Miss Barbados World 2013 delegate, Janine Hinkson, has founded the charity Helpful Hands for Hopeful Hearts after meeting with the Child Care Board and discovering there are almost 100 children currently in their care.

“After the age of five it is very unlikely these children will be adopted and they can often become troubled,” Hinkson said. “The Child Care Board is currently working on the Community Reintegration Programme, which seeks to find alternative family homes for these children to provide a loving family bond and a hope for a brighter future.

“This cause was close to the heart as I have always wanted to work with children and am currently studying psychology with hopes to become a child psychologist.”

Helpful Hands for Hopeful Hearts seeks to raise awareness and financial support for their healthcare, education and basic needs. So far Hinkson has successfully organised two fundraising events where all donations made will go directly towards the cause.

Cupcakes and Cocktails for Charity was held on the evening of June 1 at Priva nightclub. The evening was a big success where guests were greeted with delicious cocktails compliments of Malibu and scrumptious cupcakes by “With Love from Esther James. Caricature artist Che’ Wiltshire entertained patrons with his whimsical interpretations young artiste Callum Wright performed an impressive acoustic set for some of his adoring fans.

The second event, Family Fun Day was held at Arty’s Play Park at ArtSplash in Hastings where families enjoyed a day of fun with a jumping tent and games from Imagine Bajan Entertainment; Liv’s Party Box provided face painting and allowed kids to meet with the infamous Mickey Mouse.

The event had a great turnout with lots of supervised activities as well as prizes and loot bags sponsored by Chefette, Liliplum and Deanna Dash’s Toyshop.

The charity has received a lot of attention and Hinkson is currently working on future plans and hopes to make these into annual events.