Joan Duncan Foundation donates J$2.2m to Dare to Care

DARE TO Care, the HIV/AIDS programme of the Mustard Seed Communities that was established to provide care to abandoned or orphaned HIV/AIDS-infected children in Jamaica, will be better able to execute its mandate as a result of the J$2.2 million donation contributed by the Joan Duncan Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the JMMB Group.

The funds donated by the foundation will go towards the payment for a bus for Dare to Care. Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of the Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, during the handover of the symbolic cheque at its Mahoe Drive location recently, thanked the Joan Duncan Foundation for its continued commitment to supporting the work of Dare to Care.

“The bus provided is essential to the daily operations of the institution as it facilitates ease of movement for the children for health care, field trips and other transportation needs of the institution, and is a much needed asset,” Ramkissoon said.

Kim Mair, CEO at the Joan Duncan Foundation, said they were happy to carry on the 18-year tradition that was started by the then Capital and Credit Merchant Bank following the acquisition by JMMB in 2012.

OPPORTUNITY TO ASSIST

“This is an opportunity for us to assist in capacity building of organisations that continue to support marginalised populations through their dedication to these children. As evidence of this, the foundation was instrumental in supporting the institution in securing the downpayment to acquire the bus with an initial donation of J$1.18 million,” Mair said.

The foundation also hosted a movie treat for the children on Saturday, May 7, in celebration of Child Month.

As a responsible corporate citizen, the Joan Duncan Foundation provides financial support to youth empowerment initiatives, nation building, educational initiatives, entrepreneurship, transformational leadership, and capacity building.