JMMB Group Donates Over J$10 Million to PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund to Assist Vulnerable Jamaicans 

The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation and members of the JMMB Group team, recently donated approximately J$10.3 million, in response to the call, led by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), to assist vulnerable citizens affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). 

The PSOJ has, so far, raised over J$110 million through its ongoing PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund, aimed at mobilizing and distributing resources for the protection and welfare of Jamaican citizens. This is against its initial target of J$250 million. 

JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation CEO, Kim Mair, shared, “We are happy to be a part of this initiative that serves some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society, empowering them to unearth their greatness.” Adding, “Love motivates us to serve our fellow citizens in this way and is in keeping with or Vision of Love, which underscores our commitment to a long-term ongoing process of holistic development that recognizes the complete development of the individual, who have dreams for themselves. Our mission is for all of us to live in a prosperous and abundant society.” The Foundation CEO also encouraged persons in Jamaica and the diaspora to join the cause, where possible, in recognition of the challenging times, globally. 

Locally, individuals or companies may donate by electronic funds transfer to the CVSS Account at National Commercial Bank (NCB), chequing account number 061052429. Alternately, companies and/or individuals can use the CVSS USD account at JMMB – 006000181484.

 

For persons overseas, or those who wish to donate using credit card, they can visit www.theafj.org. Additionally, US-based cheques may also be sent to the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), outlining the purpose of the donation on the document. Once donations are channelled through AFJ, companies and individuals based in the US will also be able to receive the added benefit of a 501 c (3) tax allowance.

The funds raised will boost supplies of medical equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPEs) for frontline and emergency workers, such as medical personnel, first responders, police, firefighters and volunteers involved in combating the virus, on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, donations will be allocated to support food security and health services in Jamaica. 

Keith Duncan, president of the PSOJ, lauded JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation and the other corporate entities and individuals, for putting the country first, in this time of crisis. He noted, “It is through joining forces that we will be able to steer Jamaica through this crisis, without leaving any of our fellow countrymen behind. We are a resilient people with big hearts and I have all faith that, together, we can get through this crisis, unearthing the greatness that each of us possesses.” He also commended the multi-sectorial organizations on board, such as: Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), as the implementation partner; United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) and American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), as the mobilization partners; Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Defense Force, as the logistics partners, alongside other key stakeholders, who have been on the frontline of the distribution of these supplies. Thus far, an initial 2000 packages have been distributed to approximately 4000 beneficiaries, who are on the margins of poverty, through the PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund, with plans in place to provide assistance to other needy persons and at-risk groups, across several communities, over the coming months.