Bolt funds fire victims

Olympic record holder Usain Bolt has donated J$1 million to help the youths who survived a fire that razed a children’s home recently.

The financial assistance has come from the Usain Bolt Foundation to help the 34 displaced youths from the privately-run Walker’s Place of Safety.

Two girls — aged 12 and 16 — perished in the fire that broke out just before midnight and the other residents and staff have been temporarily relocated to a nearby church.

In a release issued, chairperson of the Usain Bolt Foundation Winsome Wilkins, said the world 100 and 200 meters record holder was moved by the tragedy at the home.

She said the foundation, which is dedicated to the legacy of happy children and to enhance their educational and cultural development, was chosen by Bolt as the best vehicle through which he would show his support for those who have suffered. The foundation was established in 2011.

Preparations are now being made to have the donation handed over by Bolt later this week to the Child Development Agency (CDA).

State Minister in the Ministry of Youth, Floyd Green, said the displaced children will be housed in three homes across the Corporate Area.