SATURDAY night was a big one for charity and Jamaica as ‘Shaggy and Friends’ unleashed another great entertainment package broadcast around the region by Flow.

For the second time, Jamaica’s premier telecommunications provider for the event brought real-time video link with young patients and their families who watched the concert remotely from the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC), the island’s only specialist hospital for youth from ages 0 to 12.

It was a special moment as the youngsters, accompanied by their parents and staff of the hospital, were beamed live into concert which took place on the lawns of Jamaica House.

Matron Patricia Ingram-Martin, who played host during the interactive live link, spoke on behalf of the Hospital and patients saying, “It’s a magnificent treat and a tremendous opportunity for the Bustamante Hospital for Children. This initiative has turned the attention of millions of people around the world, but more specifically in Jamaica and the region, to the needs of the hospital.”

Errol Miller, executive chairman of the Flow Foundation who was on hand for the live broadcast, also added, “This is a perfect example of how Flow uses its advanced technological platform for good. Through projects like this, we are able to impact the lives of thousands of Jamaicans, and more specifically, this time, the Bustamante Hospital.” He also explained that the two-way link was made possible using Flow’s direct fibre technology.

Over the years, the company has also supported several other initiatives geared at improving the quality of health care delivered at the English-Speaking Caribbean’s only specialist children’s hospital, which now includes a Paediatric Cancer care fund spearheaded by the Flow Foundation.

The three text lines, which have been hosted by the company for individuals to donate to the Shaggy and Friends charity, will remain open until January 30. Individuals can text and pledge $20, $50 or $100. The key word in each text is ‘Shaggy’. There is no limit to the number of pledges that can be made. The numbers to dial and text are:

444-4207 – $20

444-4227 – $50

444-4248 – $100

‘Shaggy’ has hosted the charity concert biannually to raise money for much-needed equipment for the BHC.