"Maintaining the AIDS Hospice at Albion costs a lost of money, taking into account staff, utility, medication, among other expenses," Bishop Dufour said at the 2007 launch of the bishop's Human Resources and Development Fund-raising Drive, in Montego Bay.

Cut back

"There are some people, who give something, but most give nothing and we are in no way subsidised by the Government. We have had to cut back on staff and equally, we could take in a lot more sick and challenged persons, but there is simply not enough money to care for them." He said that they were always operating at a deficit annually and that he could not adequately stress, how desperate funds were needed.

The bishop said corporate Montego Bay needed to demonstrate a firmer commitment to this worthy cause. Marie Buteau, sister of Bishop Dufour, is the president for the Florida Chapter of the GSF, which has been holding annual fund-raising dinners in Florida, which accounts for generous and significant contributions to the GSF, on behalf of the organisation. "Besides holding the annual dinner, most of our fund-raising comes from people who have birthday parties or similar events," Mrs. Buteau stated.

The GSF started 10 years ago with its thrust to reach out to the poor, marginalised and disenfranchised. HIV/AIDS clients who are admitted at the hospice are usually taken there whenever they become very ill and dependable. The centre also caters to elderly people who are not affected by HIV/AIDS. The GSF undertakes several projects across St. James, Westmoreland and St. Ann, including medical centres, homes for the challenged and educational projects. Contributions can be made to the Good Shepherd Foundation, Account #78905215 at First Caribbean Bank, St. James Street, Montego Bay.