Two schools get millions from Hanover Charities and Chukka Foundation fundraiser

Western Bureau:

The Sandy Bay Primary and Bethel Basic schools in Hanover have been selected as the 2025 beneficiaries off the annual Hanover Charities and Chukka Foundation fundraiser, which is staged annually to benefit educational projects and needy students in the western parish.

The fundraiser, held in February, was an all-day event which was staged on the Polo Grounds in Sandy Bay, also in Hanover, and attracted hundreds of locals and visitors, who were entertained by an exciting polo match along fêted with sumptuous Jamaican foods, and other aspects of the nation’s culture.

The event, which is in its 18th year and has taken on a family fun day flavour, received high marks last year as the organisers spent millions of dollars to totally refurbish the Dalmally Basic School in western Hanover, which had fallen into disrepair and badly needed rehabilitation works.

According to Melissa Terry, the Chukka Foundation manager, the Sandy Bay Primary will be assisted with the establishment of a hydroponics system, which will allow the school to produce all the fresh vegetables needed for its feeding programme.

“This initiative will become a hands-on learning tool, in which students will be directly involved in the establishment and upkeep of the system, learning a sense of responsibility, teamwork and environmental practices, while developing a culture of self-reliance, sustainability and next-generation environmental protectors,” said Terry, during a recent handover ceremony at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas.

As it relates to Bethel Basic School, their support will be in the form of carrying out critical repair works.

“Sections of the school’s roof have deteriorated, creating safety concerns, especially during heavy rainfall. In addition to the roof, we will also be doing improvements to the school’s outdoor space,” said Terry.

In explaining the importance of taking on that project, Terry said safety and environmental security are important precursors to the cognitive, social and emotional growth of the toddlers attending the institution.

Katrin Casserly, the chairman of the Hanover Charities, said over J$10 million was raised from the polo event, which was considered quite satisfying.

“The amount raised is a gross figure, so we have to take out the cost of production of the event, and the rest will be spent on both schools, which might be in the region of J$6 million to J$7 million,” Casserly told The Gleaner.

Casserly was full of praise for the many sponsors and attendees, who she commended for making the annual event a success, noting that the proceeds are for a worthy cause, mainly towards the improvement of education within the parish.

Justyn Jones, the country manager at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, also commended the sponsors and supporters of the event, saying they have assisted both Chukka and Hanover Charities to extend their impact on the communities they serve. He said that the support for the event speaks volumes about the reputation and reach the event has built over time.

editorial@gleanerjm.com