JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation’s “Share the Love” Meets the Needs of 3,000 Jamaicans 

The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, through its Share the Love initiative, distributed 3,000 care packages, valued at J$16.2M, to the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable families facing food insecurity across the island.

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Foundation, explained that the initiative started from a genuine desire to assist Jamaicans with basic necessities. She pointed out that the distribution impacted several families across the island where the initiative was welcomed. 

“No Jamaican should ever go hungry. Our vision is to transform people’s lives in the communities we serve and we feel an even greater responsibility to those that are most vulnerable,” shares Mair. The Foundation head notes, “as an organization built on a Vision of Love, and as part of our commitment to being socially responsible we seek to actively support and engage in outreach efforts, recognizing our role of transforming the lives of others and uplifting our communities.

Raquel Virtue, former development manager who spearheaded the distribution explained that as a part of JMMB Group’s yearlong 30th anniversary celebrations, the Foundation partnered with over 30 charities and organizations to reach those in need.  “It was a delight for us to partner with these amazing grassroots organizations who share the mission to improve the lives of Jamaicans”, Virtue said.

“The charities and organizations were very receptive and we are happy to help ease some of the burdens for individuals and families in the communities they serve,” states Mair. 

The Janet Richards Foundation, a beneficiary of the initiative, received 50 care packages for the Cornwall Regional Hospital Nursery unit and to other vulnerable persons in the nearby communities. Janet Richards, CEO of the foundation, expressed her gratitude for the care packages. “The Share the Love care packages were a blessing to the needy people of Montego Bay and Hanover. The beneficiaries were so grateful and happy, as the main items for a meal were included in the bag. Many of them [the beneficiaries] told me to tell the company [JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation], thanks, for the kind gesture. My Directors and I appreciate the donation to our foundation and we are looking forward to more partnerships this year,” says Richards.

Some of the beneficiaries of the Share the Love initiative included: Missionaries of the Poor; Partnership and Love Foundation; City Life Ministries; Mustard Seed Communities; Child Resiliency Programme; Webster Memorial Church; Jamaica Aids Support for Life; Cause for Change; Lion’s Club of Portmore; Poor Relief Shelter; Jamaica Society for the Blind, among other community and outreach groups. 

The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation which focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and community development, has made significant donations to projects including the PSOJ-led initiative Project Star, The Child Resiliency Program, Tablets for Schools, scholarships and the Gazebo refurbishing project at Hope Botanical Gardens, all while continuing to make a significant national impact through its signature programme, Conversations for Greatness. 

 As the Foundation continues its focus on uplifting communities and people, “We continue to seek partnership and support initiatives within our focus areas and knowing that we are truly changing lives and transforming communities,” says Mair.