THE Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has embarked on a programme to aggressively grow its welfare fund.

The association will, on April 4, stage a benefit play at the Theatre Place at 5 Haining Avenue, New Kingston. Curtain time is 8:00 pm, and cocktails will be served from 7:15 pm.

The play, White Witch, has received positive reviews from theatre critics. Members of the public will have a grand opportunity to experience this Easter weekend as well as to contribute to the enrichment of the association’s welfare fund.

PAJ vice-president Daraine Luton, who has responsibility for welfare matters, said the fund-raising effort is a critical part of the administration’s vision to provide assistance to journalists in need.

“We believe that professional organisations have a responsibility to not only ensure that practitioners deliver the highest ethical standards but also that members are fully supported in times of need,” Luton said.

Luton noted that the PAJ, when called on, has been able to assist media practitioners in various areas of need. However, he explained that the association would be in a better position to provide support if its Welfare Fund was properly capitalised.