As government’s One Family Programme received a financial boost on Thursday, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey gave the assurance that all donations are going only to the people for whom they were intended.
On International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, CIBC FirstCaribbean contributed $8 000 to the programme’s newly created bank account to support vulnerable families.
During a media briefing held at his ministry’s office in Warrens, Humphrey stressed that all contributions will go directly to the beneficiaries of the programme which was launched last year to assist 2 000 of the island’s most vulnerable families.
“This is not a case of the government receiving the money and spending it on other things. This is directly for the families. We are a conduit to allow the resources to go directly to the families,” he said as he thanked CIBC for facilitating the opening of the bank account.
The One Family Programme encourages contributions from both individuals and corporate Barbados.
Humphrey expressed gratitude for the support received so far but urged more contributions.
“We obviously are hoping for more individuals and corporate Barbados to come forward,” he said.
Director of Personal and Business Banking at CIBC FirstCaribbean, Michelle Whitelaw said the bank was committed to the cause.
“We actually started with the Adopt a Family programme. We were actually one of the first to come on board in 2020, so this is now just a continuation of our support,” she said.
“This is not just giving to the families but we’re also helping them to help themselves in this programme,” added Whitelaw as she encouraged other corporate entities to join in supporting the programme.
There was also a One Family drive-through donation event during the day, with people bringing food, toiletries and other essentials to the car park of the ministry’s headquarters to assist families in need.
Among the donors was the Barbados Light and Power Company which presented a cheque as well as a large donation of food and other supplies, including standing fans.
Humphrey reassured the public that families benefitting from the programme undergo thorough background checks to ensure accountability and prevent exploitation.
He said approximately 1 000 families are already benefiting from the programme which has impacted close to 9 000 individuals.
For those interested in contributing, donations can be made to the One Family Programme bank account at CIBC, business checking account number 1001 257145.
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