RECIPIENTS of proceeds from the annual Digicel Bob Marley One Love charity football matches were all smiles yesterday as they received their ‘goodies’ from the event’s organisers and sponsors at a function at the Supreme Ventures boardroom.

Those benefiting are three well-known Jamaican special-care institutions — the Mustard Seed Communities, Best Care Lodge and Special Olympics Jamaica.

Organiser of the annual event, Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell, thanked the sponsors without whom, he claimed, success would not have been possible.

Said Campbell: “On behalf of the organising committee of Bob Marley One Love football matches, I would like to thank the sponsors for their support and hope that you would be on board with us for the long term. Thank you and it is one love and respect.”

Benjamin Simms, Digicel’s Promotions Executive, said the the fact that the charity event has been around for 30 years speaks to its credibility and popularity and promised that his company is on board for the long haul.

“The commitment that has been put into this for 30 years shows dedication and is commendable and that’s why Digicel is proud to be a part of it,” said the Digicel executive.

Approximately $200,000 worth of donations were handed over to the recipients at the event, which took place at the Supreme Ventures boardroom.

National Commercial Bank (NCB) handed over a desktop computer to the Mustard Seed Communities, whose deputy executive director Darcy Tulloch-Williams accepted on behalf of the charity.

“We thank you again for the outstanding work… we exist only based on the goodwill and benefits offered to us,” said Tulloch-Williams.

Campbell also handed over a cheque for $50,000 to Lorna Bell, executive director of Special Olympics Jamaica.

“We cannot thank ‘Busy’ too (enough)… this cheque means so much to me as our athletes are preparing for the 2011 World Games in Athen, Greece. We gratefully accept it and once again thank you,” said Bell.

Meanwhile, Reggae Jammin will be handing over a deep freeze refrigerator to the Best Care Lodge and chairman Orville Johnson was equally happy with the prospect of receiving the appliance.

“We are very thankful for the kind donation that we are going to receive. It has come at an opportune time because all of us know what a difficult time it is,” he noted.

The 29th staging of the Bob Marley One Love football matches were played on Ash Wednesday, March 9 and according to the organisers, “was a success”.

Other sponsors are The Jamaica Observer, Supreme Ventures, Blueprint Consulting, Jamaica Public Service (JPS), Main Event Entertainment Group, Iprint Digital, Kool FM, KLAS, TVJ, Hitz 92 FM, Red Stripe, Wray and Nephew, Western Sports, Cuddyz and World Sports International.

The next charity football match on the agenda for Campbell and event planner Blueprint Consulting, is the Bring Back the Love matches for Labour Day, May 22, 2011.