THE Good Shepherd Foundation and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Montego Bay were presented with a $500,000 donation from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) earlier this week.

The two charities each received $250,000.

The Good Shepherd Foundation, which operates the HIV/AIDS hospice in the city, has been appealing to the business community for support to improve the facilities there and offer continued care to the increased number of persons living with the disease on an ongoing basis.

It was only a month ago that the Foundation — started in 1997 by Reverend Charles Dufour of Montego Bay- launched its annual Bishop’s Human Resources and Development Drive, which is geared at raising funds for the Foundation.

The donation was, therefore, welcomed by the Foundation that helps to run other projects across western Jamaica in addition to the Montego Bay hospice.

As for the church, its $250,000 donation means it can now proceed with the construction on its $40-million multi-purpose complex, at Westgate in the city.

The complex is to house a clinic offering medical and dental services, an early childhood education centre and an auditorium.

Meanwhile, NCB’s senior assistant general manager, Vandyke McKenzie said the donations were made in accordance with the bank’s commitment to be being a good corporate citizen by making a contribution to needy charities and other institutions that cater to those in need.

The presentation of the cheques coincided with the bank’s launch of its new working hours.

The launch was held at its Bay West, Montego Bay offices.