Members of Startek Jamaica, a business process outsourcing entity in the heart of Half Way Tree, braved rainy weather in September to partake in the second staging of the Blue Run 5K Run/Walk in support of prostate cancer awareness.

The initiative was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme, Community Matters, aimed at engaging employees in community activities throughout the year.

“Employees spend hundreds of hours volunteering in the community, participating in fundraising events and donating to great causes. September of this year saw about 25 per cent of staff at Startek Jamaica engaging in old and new community projects,” said the company in a press release.

Startek noted that the company has encouraged employees to partake in cancer awareness activities yearly.

“Employees were disappointed that there was no Relay for Life this year, but Blue Run was a welcome alternate for them to add to the roster along with the upcoming Pink Run 5K Run/Walk, which they have participated in for more than 10 years,” the release stated.

Startek collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and adopted Lyssons Beach, St Thomas to aid in monthly cleaning of the beach.

In the meantime, as a part of the focus on care for the environment, the company noted that, in June of this year, it collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and adopted Lyssons Beach, St Thomas to aid in monthly cleaning of the beach.

“In September, associates participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day, where employees joined in and cleared debris from the coastline of our adopted beach,” the company said.

It added that, during the pandemic, there was a call to meet the need for blood and Startek Jamaica partnered with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) to host an on-site blood drive, and for the past three years have continued their collaboration with the entity.

Team members of Startek Jamaica participate in an on-site blood drive.

“In September, the team also facilitated its annual on-site blood drive, where 21 units of blood were collected. One unit of blood can save three lives, so over 50 lives were impacted with this endeavor. Overall, the company has donated over 80 units of blood throughout the partnership, impacting over 200 lives,” the company said.

What’s more, according to the company, past Community Matters initiatives throughout the years also include food, hygiene, clothing and monetary drives and donations in support of initiatives by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Ministry of Gender Affairs, Mustard Seed Communities, Missionaries of the Poor, and the Jamaica Cancer Society.

“Startek Inc is a global enterprise situated in 38 global locations, with its smallest site currently in Jamaica. The Jamaican spirit however dictates size does not determine or undermine resilience and strength, thus empowering Startek Jamaica to invest in and give back to the community. In keeping with same, associates are encouraged to become involved with the Community Matters programme,” the company said.