SAGICOR Group Jamaica (SGJ) has strengthened the effort of Food For the Poor (FFTP) Jamaica to provide relief for thousands of Jamaicans who have seen damage and destruction done to their homes, businesses, crops, and livestock by Hurricane Beryl just over two weeks ago.

FFTP has been gifted a $20-million donation that will add to its continuous mission of providing aid to Jamaicans who have been impacted by the hurricane, especially in the south-western and central areas of the country.

Welcoming the support from Sagicor, Andrew Mahfood, FFTP Jamaica chairman, said, “We have been through many hurricanes, including Ivan, Gustav, Dean, Sandy, and now Beryl and we have always been on the ground providing relief. Companies like Sagicor providing support confirms the trust in the work that Food For the Poor has being doing.

“We are grateful that communities like Portland Cottage, Alligator Pond, Rocky Point, Treasure Beach, and other areas along the south coast will be receiving additional help.”

Mahfood shared that based on assessment the mentioned areas were particularly vulnerable and suffered greater damage due to how close the centre of Beryl passed them.

He said Sagicor Group’s donation will be going directly towards roofing, water, sanitisation, food, and agricultural supplies.

In the meantime, Christopher Zacca, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, highlighted the importance of participating in the relief efforts.

“Right after the hurricane hit, we realised the tremendous need for assistance to the citizens of Jamaica. The first organisation that came to mind was Food For the Poor because it has such a strong history of bringing aid to those who need it the most,” said Zacca.

“We are pleased to know that those most affected will continue to receive aid and we are proud to come together with other corporate companies to bolster Food For the Poor Jamaica’s mission. It is also heart-warming to see our team members out here today volunteering their time. When we sent out the call for volunteers to help pack the trucks the slots were filled in minutes, and that shows the strong culture of giving back that we have honed here at Sagicor,” added Zacca.

Meanwhile, Annmarie Ferguson, a Sagicor team member who was also affected by Hurricane Beryl, expressed why it was important for her to be a part of the volunteer efforts.

“Hurricane Beryl took a part of my roof, so coming out here today to help pack supplies for those in need and being a part of a company that is helping in a big way is a great feeling. It is also good to know that Food For the Poor is leading the effort in mobilising support for so many Jamaicans,” said Ferguson.

FFTP Jamaica is among the first responders to the national crisis, spearheading the distribution of relief packages to communities islandwide. The humanitarian organisation has also, through its online platforms and various communication channels, connected countless people to health emergency hotlines and shelter locations for those displaced.

People and entities interested in supporting Food For the Poor’s efforts through contributions or volunteering can do so can do so by visiting
www.foodforthepoorja.org.