KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation has donated $1 million to assist in the renovation of Sophie’s Place, the Mustard Seed Communities children’s home most severely impacted by Tropical Storm Gustav.
This, in response to a plea for assistance to fund a $12 million repair bill by Father Gregory Ramkissoon, executive director of Mustard Seed Communities. Father Ramkisson reported that a two-story structure was washed away by the raging Hope River and other buildings were severely damaged during the storm.
Speaking to the urgent need to assist the Home, Earl Jarrett, JNBS General Manager, announced that the Society is also facilitating donations from the public with the opening of the JN Mustard Seed Recovery Fund, account number 10763473. Father Ramkissoon opened the account at the JNBS Half-Way-Tree branch today (September 11).
Expressing condolences to the families of the three children who passed away, Mr. Jarrett said, “It is clear that the experience was traumatic, both for the children and the dedicated staff at Sophie’s Place. It is critical for emotional support and counselling to be a feature of the recovery process.”
In addition to the $1 million being donated by the Society, employees within the JN Group have launched an internal campaign to raise more funds.
Carol Madden, Member Care Centre Manager said the plea of the charity group was a call to action for the employees, some of whom already have a relationship with Sophie’s Place.
“For almost a year, employees of the Member Care Centre and the Corporate Communications Department at JNBS have provided a monthly stipend for two children at Sophie’s Place. And, we hope that the internal initiative to assist in the recovery effort will be successful, given our relationship with the organisation,” she commented.
The employee-based project will seek to raise some $500,000; and they have invited Members of the Society to join them in going beyond that target. They intend to hand over the funds to Mustard Seed Communities by the end of the month.
In the mean time, Father Ramkissoon has made a plea for donations to cover the immediate needs of the children. He is requesting baby powder, diapers, towels, clothing, detergent, mattresses, and sheets.
