THREE private sector firms -- Pepsi Cola Jamaica, Lasco and Shell Co (WI) Ltd -- have donated products to victims of last month's flooding in Portland and St Mary, giving a significant boost to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management's relief efforts.

The donation from Pepsi consists of more than 500 cases of Aquafina bottled water which the company's general manager, Andrew Reid, is seen in this photo talking about with Dr Barbara Carby, director-general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Lasco's donation, which is valued at approximately $150,000, consists of a total of 62 cases of bleach, mackerel, infant formula, oats porridge, vegetable soup, food drink, whole milk, redi milk and Lasoy lite. All the products are distributed under the Lasco name.

Shell Company donated 100 two-burner stoves complete with 11kg cylinders and accessories. The value of that donation was $220,000.

Lasco chairman and CEO, Lascelles Chin, said his company wanted to help relieve the plight of Jamaicans who suffered losses as a result of the heavy rains.

Shell's general manager for Western Caribbean LPG, Mario Vulinovich, concurred with Chin, saying he hoped Shell's products would also help relieve the suffering of many families.

Carby thanked the firms for their donations and assured them that the products would be distributed to the persons affected by the rains.

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