Good tidings for Christmas and the New Year have arrived for families relying on the Barbados Cancer Society and the HIV Food Bank for assistance.
In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, both organisations recently received $7, 500 worth of supermarket vouchers from leading telecommunications provider
Flow as part of the company’s annual support for the two agencies.
“Flow is committed to empowering and improving our community, so for the last few years we have tried not only to make prudent donations to deserving individuals and organisations, but we have also sought to place the purchasing power in the hands of the people who were most in need,” said Marilyn Sealy, Senior Manager, Communications, Flow.
During a brief ceremony at the company’s CX Centre at Windsor Lodge, Sealy presented the vouchers to Stacia Whittaker, Community Nutrition Officer in the Ministry of Health and Manager of the HIV/AIDS Food Bank, and Jacqueline Skeete, Client Services Manager with the Barbados Cancer Society.
The total donation of $15, 000 from Flow represents a $5, 000 increase from 2019 for the two organisations.
“This year has been difficult for everyone and we know the need will be even greater as we approach the New Year, so while this may be a small gesture when looking at the big picture, it is our ultimate hope to make an immediate and positive impact in the lives of at least some Barbadians affected by cancer or HIV,” added Sealy.
Both organisations praised Flow for its continued support and the increase in contributions.
“We remain grateful to Flow for continuing to think of the HIV Food Bank year after year. With the food vouchers, families are also able to purchase other necessities, so it is the perfect supplement for the food bank and our clients,” said Whittaker.
In thanking Flow on behalf of the Barbados Cancer Society, Skeete said the company was their only corporate partner who consistently gave such versatile vouchers in significant denominations.
“There is no doubt these vouchers will go a long way to put a smile on the faces of our clients who are finding it difficult to make ends meet while having to battle cancer at the same time. They are going to be delighted at a time when they are really quite down and wondering where the next dollar is coming from,”
she said.
Also on hand were the young winners of Flow’s recent colouring and drawing competition with the theme Protecting yourself in the COVID-19 environment.
Thirteen-year-old Nevaeh Holder was the overall winner, and she was also the most outstanding entry in the 10-14 age category. She won prizes valued at $2, 160 including an Upward Bundle for one year and a Samsung A7 tablet. (PR)
