Gillespie

When asked what he wanted for his birthday gift, any other eight-year-old boy would have said toys, or a party or a visit to Disneyland, but Omari Gillespie (now 11 years old) went against the grain.

When asked three years ago what he wanted, his reply was for the hungry people on the streets to be fed.

However, his wish was not to become a reality just yet as his grandmother died the same year and the money was used to bury her.

The next year, Omari's birthday wish remained the same, but then his grandfather died.

The following year, his wish was once again the same, this time, violence escalated in the community where he lived with his mother, and they had to move and stay with friends.

God will provide

When his birthday came around this year, he had the same wish. However, his mother explained to him the money she had was being saved to pay the rent so they could move from their volatile community. Omari wasn't going to be denied this time around though and he responded: "Mommy, use it. Something bad is always going to happen but God will provide."

Moved by his undying faith and persistence, Omari's mother, Elesha McKoy, and the rest of his family started putting the plans in place to complete the boy's request.

Omari's dream of feeding the needy on his birthday came to pass on May 1, this year, when the homeless from Cross Roads to Half-Way Tree were fed.

Even then, Omari's concern did not end.

He had particular interest in ensuring children were part of his outreach.

In doing so, Omari has pledged the toys and clothes he has received to children less fortunate.

Yesterday, the Jamaica Red Cross honoured Omari at his Duhaney Park Primary graduation service.

"We believe that Omari epitomises the true spirit of volunteerism. He has shown that you can make a difference regardless of your age, status, creed or resources," said Jamaica Red Cross director general Yvonne Clarke.

"He is a living example of how people can transform their concerns into action and so we feel we need to recognise him for his efforts," she added.

When asked why he wanted to help the poor, Omari replied, "I'm a member of the Red Cross and I learn that people need help."

"I always see people on the streets begging money and cleaning car windows with their clothes looking dirty and I always want to try to help them."

Omari's ambition is to become a doctor, but he also wishes to be a professional runner for Jamaica. He is currently in grade 5 at his school.

Sights like these homeless people along Barry Street in downtown Kingston are what spurred 11-year-old Omari Gillespie to start a feeding programme for the poor on his birthday in May of this year. - Norman Grindley/Staff Photographer