Supermarket chain launches Christmas drive to help the needy

Many Barbadian families are faced with challenges directly related to COVID-19, including paying utility bills, repairing a leaking roof or buying food. As a result of conversations with customers at the Channell and Trimart supermarkets, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the group Tony Catlyn conceptualised a programme to contribute three cents from every dollar earned to ten selected families from across the island.

“There are many, many families out there who have serious challenges,” Catlyn said.

The supermarket group launched its Christmas programme for the needy recently at the Channell supermarket branch.

“This year there are people who were working last year, but this year they are faced with many problems. They can’t buy food,” the supermarket managing director added.

Barbadians are being invited to send private messages about families they recommend for assistance to the supermarkets’ Instagram and Facebook pages. These confidential suggestions would be considered by a committee that includes members of Rotary Club of Barbados South and officials of Channell and Trimart.

It is the first time for this Christmas approach and a first type of partnership for the Rotarians who will, once again, be providing 250 Christmas hampers to needy families, President of the Club, Mike Forde said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt a lot more people than you would normally think. Some of the stories are heartbreaking,” Forde added.

“You have people who can’t feed their families. There are a myriad of needs,” the Rotarian remarked. Catlyn said the supermarket group has in the past donated appliances such as refrigerators and stoves to families.

Given the circumstances associated with COVID-19, he said providing money and addressing the particular needs of the ten families would be a better approach.

Channell supermarket was established on January 1, 2001. It has grown into a group with branches at Collymore Rock, Black Rock and Trimart branches at Rendezvous, Mile and a Quarter and Bridgetown. (PR)