Chaguaramas, Trinidad, West Indies, January 18, 2002.
Contact: Kathy Oberle (kathy1@boatersforbooks.org)
Photo attached
Boaters for Books Director Kathy Oberle announced today the initiation of its newest project in Trinidad.
"We have an energetic, dedicated team in Trinidad," explained Kathy." They will utilize the distribution resources of a highly reputable non-profit organization known as FEEL, which promises to offer the most effective way to get donated storybooks into the hands of children."
The formation of Boaters for Books Trinidad was stimulated by American cruising sailor Sue Watson, who witnessed first hand the lack of reading materials while volunteering as a tutor at a local Trinidad school. She did some preliminary research that indicated the country would welcome and waive all duties for used and salvage children’s books. She and Kathy Oberle searched for the most effective means of distribution.
Several Trinidadians suggested FEEL (Foundation for the Enhancement & Enrichment of Life), whose mission is to coordinate the efforts of many non-governmental organizations that serve the poor, needy and handicapped and help to make those organizations more effective. When Kathy contacted its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Clive Pantin, he enthusiastically agreed to assume the responsibility of accepting and distributing donated children’s books. Mr. Pantin is a former school principal and Minister of Education for Trinidad & Tobago. He indicated that he has a close relationship with many of the outlaying public schools and will insure that books get to those needy schools, as well as to impoverished libraries and other centers of learning.
Boaters for Books Trinidad project is headed by Ms. Kathy Winn, an American resident of Trinidad with extensive background in community volunteer work. She will be working with FEEL to coordinate book distribution. Kathy’s husband, Jack Dausend, Publisher of the Boater’s Directory of Trinidad & Tobago and the monthly cruising publication, the BOCA, will assume responsibility for publicity within the country and its boating community and for coordinating the fund raising efforts of the Trinidad & Tobago Rotarians and their sister Rotarians in the United States. American sailor Dawn Stone is assisting Kathy Winn and acting as communications liaison. Dawn and husband Jeff, native Californians, have lived in Trinidad for several years where they own Nau-T-Kol Refrigeration.
Sue Watson is retiring this year after completing her three year tenure on the Board of Directors of the Seven Seas Cruising Association. She will be coordinating publicity and fund raising efforts with Kathy Oberle to increase the visibility of Boaters for Books and increase the volume of books available to the children of the Caribbean.
Books are transported free of charge from Miami, Florida to Caribbean destinations by Tropical Shipping, Inc. Boaters for Books is headquartered in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Donations of new and used children’s storybooks
and cash donations may be sent to:
Boaters for Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 510685
Punta Gorda, Fl. 33951-0685
For more information, contact Director Kathy Oberle,
kathy1@boatersforbooks.org .
![[ group picture ]](images/bfbtrinigroup.jpg)
Photo: Boaters for Books Trinidad launches 2002 project. From r. to l.; Sue Watson, Clive Pantin (FEEL Chief Executive Officer), Dawn Stone, Kathy Oberle (Boaters for Books Director), Kathy Winn and Jack Dausend.
Boaters for Books, Inc.
A 501 (c) (3) Florida non-profit corporation
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