Christmas is a time when family and friends gather to reconnect and share not only gifts but experiences and the ties that bind are strengthened from activities such as these. This Christmas, spare a thought for members of Team Wadadli who are not gathered around some tree opening gifts, visiting relatives or enjoying a sumptuous spread. Instead, they are thousands of miles away from their loved ones somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean battling not only the elements but illness and other inconveniences rowing for a cause.
At this time when there’s turkey or ham a-plenty and spirits are high because ‘other spirits’ go low, it is important that we put a human face on the cause of the foursome participating in this event. At the St. John Hospice, lunch was provided by one who knows first-hand what a saving grace the institution can be. Since the passing of his sister who spent her last days being cared for by the dedicated staff, he feels that it is his duty to give back by sharing the holiday spirit with the individuals who may have more on their minds than the menu; and this means a lot, not only to the inmates but to the administration as well since every bit helps. To run an institution such as this is a very costly affair and according to Agnes Meeker its founder, it can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. There is no special subvention from the government to supplement the budget and many if not all of the inmates are cared for free of cost; therefore salaries and the necessary supplies are covered by the goodwill of individuals who donate .
In this advent season when we most often are concerned with giving and getting gifts, consider the gift being given today by Team Wadadli who are 10th among all boats, are currently located 250 22.69N 0210 47.59W, moving in a northerly direction towards the shortest distance. His parting words from the last interview with Observer Radio on Wednesday are very apt at this time of year, “Give to the hospice”