By PETER MIVA
JUVENILES at the Erap Boys Town rehabilitation centre outside Lae city were treated to a hearty Christmas surprise courtesy of the Rotary Club of Huon Gulf last Sunday.
Club members donated a variety of food items and tools to the 25 youths as Christmas gifts.
Rotarian Merilyn Paul, accompanied her husband Graeme Paul, who was the club president and other Rotarians delivered the donation to the youths.
Mrs Paul said the donations were madeup of contributions from Lae business houses and individuals.
She said the club bought fresh fruits and vegetables while Panamex provided noodles and canned fish.
Mrs Paul said Foodmart supermarket gave 30 loaves of bread, Coca-Cola Amatil donated soft drinks, Guard Dog Security donated 10 bags of rice, and Zenag Chicken donated eggs.
She said 21C Ltd provided clothing, Hi Speed Diesel provided agriculture tools and other food stuff, while Paradise Foods and Lae Biscuit Company assisted with biscuits.
Mrs Paul said Brian Bell donated 20 T-shirts, mugs and two footballs with an air pump, while Travelworld, Niugini Wholesale Drugs, Anderson Foodland and the Family Dental Clinic also donated an assortment of goods.
The juveniles were undertaking various rehabilitation programmes run by seven staff, including a Catholic priest.
The centre was set up 30 years ago but missed out on community support because it is isolated from the city.
Mrs Paul said there was space for at least 60 boys at the centre but funding constraints had limited the centre to accommodate only 25 youths.
She said the rehabilitation centre had asked the club for desks and books which they would help at a later date.
Mrs Paul said the centre had a tractor which needed repair and the club had also indicated its support to source assistance to fix the tractor.
She said the Rotary Club of Huon Gulf had previously assisted the centre with a water tank.