Hi neighbour! I share the opinion that if our news media were to give more prominence to the positive things that have been happening around us, our people would have a more positive outlook on life.

Christmas is certainly a beautiful time of the year! Bumping into someone you haven't seen in a long while as you mingle with shoppers is usually a very pleasant experience. I spotted Professor Maureen Warner-Lewis by the plaza a few days ago but her quick pace denied me the opportunity of greeting her. (Bwoy, she move faas).

In the same breath, I greet all the good neighbours who have always been so kind to those in need. May you have a holy season and a very prosperous 2010. Despite our current challenges, we can all have a bright future if we only remember to love God and our neighbours as ourselves!

Do you remember the 15 families from Goodwin Park Road, Kingston 4, whose houses were completely gutted by fire in July 2009? Among those families were 32 small children. Sleeping under camping tents with one bathroom in the aftermath provided little comfort for these victims, but they were thankful that neighbours cared enough to lend a helping hand.

Their situation was worsened by flood rains that followed shortly after settling down under their temporary shelter. Thankfully, their cry for help did not fall on deaf ears. Food For the Poor and the assistance of their member of parliament helped to relieve their pain.

Show kindness

When Love 101 heard of their plight, and with Christmas approaching, it felt that there could be no better way to show kindness than to help these unfortunate friends. Through the power of radio, they sensitised thousands of Jamaicans to the needs of these persons and provided an avenue through which they could all contribute to their cause.

On December 16, the staff gathered at the Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree, with a special outside broadcast to drum up support for the Goodwin Park restoration project. From as early as 7 a.m., the group, led by Marketing Manager Keisha Thomas, who spearheaded the initiative, was on spot to open the door for the early birds to make their contributions.

Representatives of the Goodwin Park victims who were present to witness their dream come true were overcome with tears of joy, as neighbours came pouring in with clothing, bed linen, utensils and cash. Others called to offer chairs, mattresses, bed bases, dining tables, etc. Local gospel artistes such as Kerron Ennis, Lubert Levy, Prodigal Son and Micah Ministries offered inspirational music for the morning.

What do you think would happen in our country if media houses not only gave more prominence to the positive things that have been happening in Jamaica, but became more involved in a practical demonstration of problem-solving?

Come on, let's join the party.

Thanks to these neighbours

1. Eileen, St Andrew, for offering a bedroom suite to Angela in St Catherine.

2. Faith, for assisting Annette, St Andrew, who is caring for needy children.

3. Mrs Clarke, St Andrew, for connecting with Stephanie.

4. Norma, for offering a large igloo to 77-year-old Ms R. Thompson, who needed one to start a little business.

5. Mrs East, St Ann, for offering clothing to Annette, St Ann.

6. Mrs Campbell, St Andrew, for offering a queen-size mattress and other items to a needy neighbour.

7. Eva, St Catherine, for donating a bed and twin stroller to a needy neighbour.

8. Mr Archer, St Catherine, for offering a sewing machine to Julie to help generate an income.

9. Mrs Burris, Manchester, for her donation of adult diapers for Gloria.

10. Mrs Henry, Clarendon, for donating items of clothing to Joy, Clarendon.

Opportunities to help

1. Sophia, St Elizabeth, in need of clothing and food for four children who sometimes go to bed hungry. She's also asking for help to start selling clothing in the market.

2. Claudette, St Mary, is seeking assistance on behalf of a neighbour who does not have a kitchen. She is offering him 25 blocks and two bags of cement, while asking others to help with a door and plywood.

3 Myrtle, St Catherine, mother of three, is asking for a second-hand settee. The children's father died.

4. Sophia is asking neighbours for a second-hand stove to help prepare meals for children.

5. A neighbour would like to teach children in her community to read and write, but is in need of reading books.

6. Paula, Trelawny, unemployed mother of four, whose husband is often unemployed, is asking neighbours for a second-hand stove, table and clothing.

7. Rohan, St Catherine, lost his job yet has four mouths to feed; he is asking neighbours for a second-hand sewing machine for income generation.

8 Michelle, St Elizabeth, single parent, seeking a stove with an oven to do a little baking to help with her child's schooling.

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

Hello Mi Neighbour is authored by Silton Townsend, who is best known for his portrayal of 'Maas Gussie' on the once-aired local sitcom, 'Lime Tree Lane'.