Credit union’s LIFT Foundation makes first payout, signs inaugural MOU

The City of Bridgetown credit union’s LIFT Foundation celebrated two historic milestones on Tuesday by hosting its first formal cheque presentation and signing its first-ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with external organisations, in a ceremony held at the C.O.B. Credit Union Boardroom on Lower Broad Street.

The foundation presented a $5 000 cheque to the Deaf Heart Project to support its breakfast programme at the Irving Wilson School. The initiative will ensure that students who are hearing impaired or who have additional communication or developmental challenges receive nutritious meals that promote better focus, learning and well-being.

Founder and chair of the Deaf Heart Project, Ché Greenidge, expressed gratitude for the support: “This is a fantastic morning for us. The Irving Wilson School, whom we have partnered with for almost five years now, came to us and they identified students in the school who needed additional support. The main way in which we operate is responding to needs.”

“Whenever we work with the Irving Wilson School, it is for all students. We make sure no child is left behind.”

The event was equally significant for the LIFT Foundation, marking the first time that it has signed a formal MOU with any organisation. Programme manager of COB LIFT Foundation Kathy-Ann Scott emphasised the importance of this moment: “This is our first time signing a memorandum of understanding with any entity or association. These partnerships reflect our commitment to empowering young people through organisations that nurture character, leadership and civic responsibility.”

Scott reminded attendees that while the day marked two firsts, the foundation has been active across Barbados for the past two-and-a-half years through scholarships, feeding programmes and social-support initiatives.

“Because our programmes are so targeted towards social change, when the COB LIFT Foundation touches you, you are left better — and able to assist someone else who may now be in need,” she said.

Dr Hensley Sobers, chair of the foundation, said: “We are very pleased to invite these two noble associations to join us as we expand our programme to the wider community. If boys need assistance, then by all means let’s provide that assistance. There’s no better institution to my knowledge, that citizenship training can be developed but through the Boy Scouts Association.”

Rochelle Walrond-Cox, incoming president of JCI Barbados – the Jaycees – said the partnership aligns perfectly with the organisation’s mission. “Today isn’t just a formality for signing. It begins a partnership we at JCI Barbados are looking forward to. It aligns with our values about community impact, and with this Change for Change project, these initiatives fit squarely into our mission and vision.”

She added: “Small, consistent actions can make a huge impact, and we look forward to delivering meaningful work alongside the COB LIFT Foundation.”

Chief Commissioner of the Barbados Boy Scouts Association, Trevor Jones, also welcomed the collaboration, noting that it supports the Association’s drive to modernise and reach more young men. “What we appreciated most is that this partnership is not just about monetary donation, but support as well — technical support, programme development, and renewal,” he said.

“Our principles remain the same — developing good citizenship among boys and young men — but our image must be attractive to today’s youth. That takes training, resources, and partnerships like this.”
Dr Sobers closed by reflecting on the foundation’s core purpose: “Lives improved. Futures transformed. That is the meaning of LIFT, and with these partnerships, that vision becomes even more possible.”

(LE)