Bethlehem children's home gets $20m donation from Sagicor Foundation

The Father Ho Lung-founded Bethlehem Children’s Home for Abandoned Children has received some $20 million in donations from the Sagicor Foundation.

The proceeds are from the $50.5M raised in last year’s 19th staging of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run.

Among the items donated by Sagicor to the home are: a 15-seater bus to assist with transportation needs, a commercial generator, two 2,000-gallon water tanks, installation of a box drain, provision of storage cupboards for the children, a commercial stove, laundry dryer and blender, a year's worth of groceries, installation of murals and new signage.

Speaking at the handing over event last week, executive vice-president of Individual Life Insurance at Sagicor, Mark Chisholm, reiterated the company’s commitment to giving back. He also highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by Sagicor Foundation to help improve the lives of people in the communities it serves.

Said Chisholm: “As a socially responsible organisation, we are keen on playing our part in contributing to the overall welfare of our country, and we are cognizant of the important role Children’s Home play in caring for the wellbeing of some of our vulnerable children.”

Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, lauded Sagicor for its contribution to nation building, calling on more Jamaicans to participate in the company’s annual charity run. He noted that he participated this year at the 20th staging and was impressed with the overwhelming support.

The Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run has raised over $300 million for some 30 charities since its inception in 1999. The annual road race event is staged to increase awareness of institutions that care for children whilst raising much needed funds to assist their programmes.