St. John’s, Antigua (2 April 2009) – Agnes Meeker, who was a founding member of the board of the American Women’s Club (now called the International Women’s Club of Antigua and Barbuda) and who originated the idea for the Club’s Christmas Hamper program, is the recipient of the FAWCO Foundation’s Mary Mag Haas ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award for the time and dedication she has shown to clubs and community organizations in Antigua and Barbuda.

An American-Antiguan, Meeker is the Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Historical Society, and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. As a Board member of the Botanical Gardens, she worked tirelessly to restore the abandoned and derelict Victoria Gardens. She was a forerunner of POWA, the Professional Organization of Women, and fully engaged herself in the promotion of human love and well-being by devoting herself and her time to the betterment of the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda.

Barbara Bauer, President of the International Women’s Club, who personally worked with Agnes on her newest venture — the creation of a the St. John’s Hospice and Home Palliative Care here on the island, remarks that “at a time and space in history where uncertainty prevails in an international climate, only dedicated people like Agnes Meeker can bring back some semblance of mutual admiration, respect and friendship. Agnes’s unselfishness and love for this country and its people have set a beautiful and lasting example for the rest of us to work towards.”

A year ago, Meeker opened a second-hand shop, The Fashion Encore, which is tended to by a group of volunteers who sell new and gently worn items to help pay for the Hospice nurses. It has proven to be a huge success.

She expressed her deep appreciation to the members of the International Women’s club for nominating her for the 2009 Mary Mag Hass Volunteer Award, and for all the wonderful support she said she has received from members in her endeavours, particularly the St. John-Hospice Shop, "Fashion Encore".

“Without the faith and support of everyone I would have achieved nothing. I am totally blown away and honoured,” says Meeker, who was surprised when she learned she was FAWCO’s 2009 recipient. But it was no surprise when she requested that the charitable donation of $1,000 be donated to the St John’s Hospice.

”Everything always comes full circle,” Meeker reflects. “It was actually because of Marge Patterson, Founder of the International Women's Club, that the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Antigua & Barbuda was born.” To find out more about the St. John’s Hospice and Palliative Care Association, e-mail meek@candw.ag