When NCB Foundation reached out to social impact creator, Joel Nomdarkham with a J$100,000 allocation to help grant wishes during the Christmas season, his first thought was – ‘this is a match made in heaven!’

“As a social impact creator, I use my social media platforms and influence to do good, give back and drive positive change,” shared the 29-year old Nomdarkham. “I spend a great deal of time mobilising my online communities, especially around give-back initiative, so being able to partner with N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme this year has really been a blessing.”

Armed with $100,000 in wish-granting power, Nomdarkham’s first stop was a birthday surprise for Michelle Barrett-Simpson, a teacher at St George’s Primary and Infant School. Calling Barrett-Simpson’s class his ‘unofficially adopted classroom’, Nomdarkham related how a direct message on Instagram sparked his relationship with Barrett-Simpson, whose passion for integrating technology into her reading lessons was very close to his own personal focus on literacy.

Barrett-Simpson, who was also celebrating her 50th birthday, was moved to tears when Nomdarkham showed up at the school with a cheque for J$50,000 – a reward for her dedication to innovating in literacy and education.

“Mrs Barrett-Simpson is a fantastic role model, and I am truly grateful to be able to give back to a real change-maker like her,” Nomdarkam said. “I’ve been following NCB. Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme for years, and seeing the impact it has created consistently. Being part of it and being able to shine a light on an amazing educator like Mrs Barrett-Simpson is just remarkable, and I am so glad for the opportunity to do this for someone like her.”

Nomdarkham’s remaining J$50,000 will go to a community change-maker selected by his community on social media. He added, “The fact that NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme has been going for 11 years shows true dedication, and what I consider a truly sustainable business practice. Its ability to change lives, reach the most vulnerable, and the unsung heroes and change-makers in society is amazing, and I am happy to be part of this initiative.”

“When we saw the work that Joel was doing with his various initiatives on social media, we knew he would be a great partner in our annual Grant a Wish programme,” Sheree Martin, CEO of NCB Foundation said.

“Joel’s profound connection with the community and his impactful social narrative align perfectly with the ethos of the NCB Foundation. These partnerships are essential in bringing to light the diverse needs and aspirations of Jamaicans, allowing us to tailor our efforts in granting wishes that not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term empowerment and progress. Together, we are fulfilling wishes and nurturing hope, inspiring change, and building stronger, more connected communities right across this land we love.”

Themed, ‘Let it Shine’, NCB Foundation’s annual Grant a Wish programme closed on December 13, 2023 this year, after inviting nominations and voting from the public for wishes in five categories – Registered Charities, Schools and Technology, Medical Assistance, Persons with Disabilities and Community Heroes. The top-voted wishes in each category will receive a share of the J$15 million prize purse as follows – 1st place – $1 million, 2nd place – $500,000 and 3rd place – $250,000.