Lappaleng believes he has inherited his humanitarian deeds from his father David Wallace aka Papa D.

“My dad loved children a lot. As a child growing up in Jamaica, Dad would allow countless children to, not only watch our television, but he would cook lots of food which he shared amongst them. And what was so unique is that dad didn’t have to know their parents.”

“Foods include the regular dumplings, rice, and bananas with stew chicken-back; chicken soup on Saturdays. Then, on Sundays, it was fabulous rice and peas; juicy fried chicken with rich carrot juice. It was just amazing!”

“On Christmas, he (dad) did not offer all of the children Christmas gifts, but he would definitely put some gifts aside for those children he felt needed these most, like a little boy who had lately lost his mother or father.”

Lappaleng explains that he knew there was something special about his dad that was also a part of him; something he could not fully explain to anyone.

“There was a poor house, or should I say infirmary, located in Albion, near the school I was attending. I love to observe and I would often watch these elderly folks as they struggle with life; some seemingly hopeless, perhaps without the love of a family.”

“And, I would wonder, how many more elderly have found their backs against the wall. As an upcoming artiste, still attending school, I would use some of the funds I got to buy groceries for them.”

“I am talking about five-pound packages of flour, rice, sugar, and cornmeal. And as things get better for me, I added tinned foods including mackerel.”

“I also had a bunch of red fifty dollar bills which I would hand to these elders. These they would examine, like millions of dollars.”

Lappaleng again recalled how many lives he had improved following the 1988 Gilbert hurricane.

“My relief packages were twice the size of the food packages I normally give them, which include drinks and toiletries like soaps.”

His concern for the sick came after his father’s sister (his aunt) lay in bed with one of her feet amputated.

“A deep sorrow came over me and if there was anything I could do for her to get back a foot, that I would do, even if it cost losing my foot to replace hers.”

Thereafter, he had come to realize the value of good friends, especially those who are willing to give all for humanity. This drive has led to his many donations.

“I have given to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) an electric bed and wheelchair; also to the Medical Associates Hospital.”

He was introduced to a teenager who was walking on his hands because his feet were so twisted. He was born that way. There was no choice for him to repair his disability.

“I felt the pain he was having, secured him a wheelchair, gave him food, and sent him to school. There was also another beneficiary in Constant Spring who got a similar wheelchair. I have given wheelchairs to my friends who are in need, and I must add that I had been to Mandeville donating a wheelchair to a woman whose leg was amputated.”

For the rest of the year, Lappaleng would love to give to the fatherless children in Spanish Town. “I will forever be giving to the needy until I have no more hands to do so,” he shares.

(Photos & Video contributed)