The spirit of giving took centre stage on Wednesday at ICBL Roebuck Street headquarters, and $10 000 was given to each of five charitable organisations serving some of Barbados’ most vulnerable citizens.
CEO Goulbourne Alleyne told the room that while the economy is showing “encouraging progress” with projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth between 2.7 and 3 per cent, too many families remain under pressure.
“Even amidst this positive outlook, we know there are still many in our society who are struggling… families and individuals facing significant challenges,” he said, noting the burden placed on public healthcare by persistently high levels of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Alleyne said the charities selected — The Salvation Army; Variety, The Children’s Charity; the Heart and Stroke Foundation; the Barbados Cancer Society, and the Diabetes and Hypertension Association — were chosen for their years of “consistent service, dedication and impact”.
He added that their work often means “the difference between hardship and hope, between despair and survival”.
Receiving the first cheque was Richard Alleyne, first vice president, and he reflected on the pressure NCDs place on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
He recalled an endocrinologist noting that “a significant percentage of the hospital’s resources are used up in diabetes and diabetic-related illnesses.” even though the disease is largely manageable.
Celebrating the association’s 50th anniversary this year, he said the donation is “heartwarming when you have a company that’s willing to give back to the society that’s made it successful.”
The Cancer Society’s administrator, Sharifa Yard, praised ICBL for its steady backing as the organisation works to support families affected by prostate, cervical, and other cancers, as well as to support children.
“We have just been out there trying to serve our communities and ensure that persons take care of their health through early detection,” she said, adding that the funds will help them continue outreach and education across the island.
CEO Greta Yearwood highlighted the national urgency behind the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s work.
She reminded the room that cardiovascular disease alone accounts for almost 30 per cent of all deaths on the island, while diabetes, strokes and other NCDs place a “significant burden on our healthcare.”
The partnership with ICBL, she said, helps fund screenings, health education and life-saving interventions.
“Every heart we protect and every life we touch is a reminder that health is truly the greatest wealth.”
Marking 30 years of serving Barbados, Jacqui McDermott said the donation will have an immediate impact this holiday season.
“This is going to make a lot of children and families happy this Christmas,” she said.
She stressed that many of the children they assist are facing hardships “through no fault of their own,” and the organisation can only continue its work with steady community and corporate support.
Closing the presentations, Major Robert Pyle, the Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for Barbados and Saint Lucia, reflected on the Army’s 127-year presence on the island.
He said ICBL has lived up to its promise of being there “when we need it most.”
Sharing figures from January to September, he reported that the Salvation Army distributed 1 076 hampers, provided clothing, books and furniture to 12 640 people, and served 36 444 meals through its feeding programmes.
“That is only possible because of donors like yourself,” he told the audience, adding that the Army’s Christmas theme — “Lend a Helping Hand” — captures the heart of their mission.
ICBL’s CEO said the contributions form part of a wider year-round philanthropic programme that also supports civic groups, sports development, education and disaster relief — most recently, hurricane assistance to Jamaica.
With Christmas approaching, he reminded attendees that community uplift is central to ICBL’s identity.
“We believe that when those around us strive, our nation thrives,” he said. “And when they struggle, it’s our duty to stand with them.”
(LE)
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