In light of the economic difficulties experienced by those most vulnerable among us, the NCB Foundation has donated 30 care packages to the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation (JDSF).

Valued approximately $260,000, the care packages were created to provide members from the foundation with food and household supplies for their families.  

Christopher Lai, chairman of the JDSF, said the donation would greatly assist the members of the foundation.

“The NCB Foundation was proactive in reaching out to us for help. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted lives in a way that is unprecedented, especially for persons with special needs. I dare to say that it has been even harder for them,” said Lai. 

LIVES FURTHER LIMITED

Since the start of the pandemic early last year, the lives of persons living with special needs have been further limited.

“A lot of our families who have children with disabilities are from difficult circumstances. This donation from NCB goes a long way into helping them. We are eternally grateful,” said Lai.  

The NCB Foundation is no stranger to the JDSF.

In 2019, the JDSF was awarded J$500,000 when it placed third in the category of ‘Organisations with Special Needs’ in its NCB Foundation’s Grant- A- Wish programme.

Since then, NCB Foundation has played a significant role in the development of the special needs community. 

“They have effectively added us to their main areas of focus which is education, community development, sports, youth leadership and entrepreneurship. They have actively incorporated special needs into their programs which have impacted lives on a much wider scale,” said Lai.

“Today we are delighted to be here to support the foundation. As one of our mandates to build communities, the NCB Foundation is excited to participate in this programme. Through these care packages, we know that they will positively impact lives which is what the NCB Foundation is about,” said Nichole Brackett Walters, manager, group marketing & corporate communications.

Kristina Kelly, the first person living with Down’s Syndrome to be appointed to the board of directors of the JDSF, was delighted by the numerous care packages gifted to the foundation.

“This will help our members significantly, and I am grateful for the NCB Foundation. I want to say a big thank you to the foundation for assisting us,” said Kelly.