Fabian Mitchell (second left), 2006 Regional Unsung Heroes country finalist for Jamaica, speaks with Milton Brady (left), managing director, FirstCaribbean Bank; Alvaro Casserly (second right), chairman of United Way of Jamaica; and Al Webb, chairman, Unsung Heroes Programme. during Wednesday's launch of the FirstCaribbean International Bank of Jamaica 2007 Unsung Heroes Programme, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

IT is widely believed that volunteerism is dead. However, 34-year-old Fabian Mitchell, winner of the Jamaican leg of the 2006 FirstCaribbean Bank 'Unsung Heroes' Programme, is dispelling this myth.

For over 12 years, Mr. Mitchell has been offering invaluable service to others. For him, volunteerism has its challenges, but it has so many rewards too.

"It engenders values and gives you self-worth, it helps to shape a harmonious society, and it creates economic productivity in a nation," he said as he addressed the audience at the launch of the 2007 Unsung Heroes Programme at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday.

Mr. Mitchell actually postponed obtaining his degree in social work for four and a half years because of his commitment to volunteering. He has made a difference in the lives of persons in Cross Roads, Jones Town, Trench Town and other areas of western Kingston. He was selected for special commendation at the regional finals in Barbados.

"For me, there is a level of work to be done, so why can't we see the need for something to be done and do it without looking for monetary compensation?" he asked. "Seeing the need of the community is enough for me and many people do not recognise that when you give, you get."

Out of a total of 250 nominees from the 17 countries from which FirstCaribbean operates, Mr. Mitchell was one of four persons under the age of 35 who was nominated.

Four years old

The Unsung Heroes programme, which seeks to celebrate extra-ordinary people within com-munities, was started four years go and is supported by FirstCaribbean to the tune of US$700,000 in the territories.

The other Jamaican finalists, couple Joyce and Reginald Lazarus, help the sick, the elderly and children in their hometown of Highgate, St. Mary.

Mr. Lazarus noted that they go to hospitals to donate clothes, provide schoolchildren with money for food and school supplies.

"It feels very lovely," he said.

The couple's next major project for the community is to build a postal agency.

FirstCaribbean is providing a plaque and a token to the 2007 winner and a donation of $7,500. First runners-up will receive $5,000.

Nominations are now open for individuals to identify more "unsung heroes" among us. Nomination forms are available on the FirstCaribbean website at www.firstcaribbeanbank.com.

The nominations close on July 28.

A history of volunteerism

Fabian has been involved in community activities since childhood. As a teenager he founded a youth club and encouraged the young people of the community to get involved in social and community enterprises.

At age 13, he recognised a need in his community and mobilised the other young people in the area to assist the younger ones with their homework assignments.

Established The Cross Roads Foundation in July 2001. The foundation is a member of the umbrella organisation People's Action for Community Transformation.

Has done volunteer work with the Jamaica Household Workers' Association, helping them design and plan programmes in the area of fund-raising and was a substitute teacher at the Charlie Smith High School in Arnett Gardens.

Started a remedial programme for street boys in the Jones Town community (Kingston Restoration Company used his model to implement a similar programme in the city's Southside community).