Hi neighbour! Jamaica's showing in Berlin was amazing. Seven gold medals by such a diminutive country with nothing untoward to investigate? That's right - nothing to investigate! It's not the size of the country, my friends, it is the will of the people and the blessings from above.

All would agree that last week could easily be dubbed a 'holiweek' - not much was done at the workplace as employers and employees were compelled to follow the stars. It was more than a breath of fresh air to watch them blow away their competitors. We believed we could and we did it. Remember that famous 'I believe' speech delivered by Sir Patrick Allen at his inauguration?

Sad story

While waiting to watch one of those exciting races, a woman called with a story that could have dampened my spirit but I remembered the caring neighbours and took heart.

Jean (not her real name) made a huge mistake a few years ago and is now paying for it. Before donning your judgemental hat, be reminded that we are all guilty of making mistakes, and at the same time, expect others to help us pay the price.

By the time this article is published, Jean, the former junior executive, may be living on the streets with her teenage son. Her misery started some years ago after she met a 'nice' gentleman who swept her off her feet and loosened all the screws in her head. About a year into the relationship, her lover, who was very ambitious, wanted to start a business but had neither capital nor collateral. Yes, Jean did the unthinkable - her fully paid-up dream house was used as collateral for a loan. When the dust died down the loan was not repaid and the bank took the keys for her house.

Burden to friends

Now in her 50s and unemployed, she has become a burden to her friends, who would have liked to help but are limited by their share of challenges. The camel's back was broken last week when a friend and former colleague cussed her off and chased her away. How does one find balance and start living again in a case like this? Through the benevolence of caring neighbours like us.

In light of the foregoing, we appeal to neighbours to expel all negative thoughts, forgive Jean in this, her time of crisis, and extend a helping hand.

You will be glad you did! Assistance in the form of accommodation, food, financial contributions or income-generating opportunities would be highly appreciated. Those desirous of helping to relieve her pain may call me at 906-3167.

Let's help her win the race against a miserable demise and get ready to celebrate with her. Look out, Jean, we are coming.

Silton Townsend, author of Hello Mi Neighbour, is better known for his role as Maas Gussie in the once-aired comedy, 'Lime Tree Lane.

'Thanks for your help.

1. Dianne, St Catherine, for a mattress donated to Ms Brown, Clarendon.

2. Mr Graham, St Andrew, for promptly responding to the need to transport a bed from St Catherine to Clarendon.

3. Mrs Spence and Mr Martin, St Andrew, for their financial assistance in a time of need.

4. Many thanks to Winston, St Ann, for offering four khaki suits for a five- or six-year-old boy in need.

5. Natasha, St Ann, for giving two pairs of boys' sneakers and a pair of ladies' shoes to needy neighbours.

6. Our neighbour in the USA, Mr Johnson, for contributiing to this initiative.

7. Tamique, St Catherine, for donating brand-new boys' clothing to her neighbour.

8. Kim, Clarendon, for offering ground provision to her neighbours in St Andrew.

Opportunities to help neighbours

1. Joy, Kingston, young Christian mother of a seven-month-old, finding it difficult to survive. Asking Clarendon neighbours for assistance with a used stove to prepare meals.

2. Akeem, St Catherine, his father is unemployed and unable to send him back to school. Appealing to neighbours for assistance with khaki uniforms and other school supplies.

3. St Cole, St Catherine, is appealing to neighbours to assist a young lady in second form. Her parents and grandmother are unemployed and unable to assist. She needs books, shoes and uniforms.

4. Neighbour, St Andrew, is five months pregnant and in need of maternity and baby clothing.

5. Sarah, St Catherine, appealing to neighbours on behalf of 90-year-old man who is need of food and bed linen.

6. Neighbour, Clarendon, is blind and needs help in sending daughter to school. Asking neighbours for financial assistance to rear chickens to be better able to take care of her daughter.

7. Young neighbour, St Ann, appealing to neighbours for assistance with a second-hand computer to complete assignments.

8. Anthony, St Catherine, a disabled man who needs help with zinc sheets for his roof which is in a deplorable condition.

9. Kay, St Andrew, is seven months pregnant and in need of clothing and diapers for newborn.

10. Ms Lewis, St Mary, needs church and casual clothing for her four-year-old daughter, unable to purchase items at this time.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send email to neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link-up. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to Acct # 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

We are asking persons to donate textbooks, exercise books, pencils, geometry sets, sketch pads or khaki uniforms to the Hello Mi Neighbour back-to-school drive. Pick up two of any item and donate one to us.

Give and it will come back to you - one way or another.