KINGSTON, Jamaica–Martin Gooden, a dedicated volunteer with more than 45 years of service to the Jamaica Red Cross, highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism during a recent JN Circle event at the ROK Hotel in Kingston.

Speaking under the theme “The Gift of Community: Reflecting on a Year of Success,” he urged attendees to embrace the values of compassion, resilience, and lifelong learning to create positive change in their communities.

“By embodying compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, volunteers can transform lives and strengthen communities,” Gooden affirmed.

In his address, Gooden outlined the core traits of exceptional volunteers, emphasising empathy, adaptability, effective communication, integrity, and teamwork.

“At the heart of exceptional volunteering lies profound empathy,” he stressed. “Remarkable volunteers connect deeply with the causes they serve, extending kindness and understanding to create meaningful, lasting change.”

Flexibility, he added, is essential for overcoming challenges. “Volunteering often demands adaptability. Embrace the unexpected, adjust to changing circumstances, and maintain a steady focus on the goal,” he advised.

Gooden, a consultant at JN Money Services Limited, inspired the gathering of JN Circle chapters by reminding them that their efforts do not only transform communities, but also empower personal growth.

“By embracing the qualities of exceptional volunteers, we can truly change the world, one act of service at a time,” he said.

In addition to his motivational charge, Gooden commended the JN Circle network for its impressive contributions in 2024. The group, supported by the JN Foundation, received approval for 13 community projects through 10 chapters across Jamaica. Each project was funded with grants of up to $1.5 million.

Omar Wright, lead for environment and community development at the JN Foundation, applauded the JN Circle chapters across the country and overseas for their dedication.

“Your impactful projects, such as furnishing the Port Antonio Women’s Centre, installing a solar system at the Candle in Dark shelter, and the equipping of a computer lab and upgrading of a playground by JN Circle Morant Bay for the St Thomas Parish Library and Chapel Hill Basic School respectively, exemplify the power of collective action in transforming communities” he stated.

Meanwhile, other projects included the upgrading of play areas for basic schools by the JN Circle Westmoreland, Santa Cruz and Gayle, Ocho Rios and St Mary, a rainwater harvesting system and Ferncourt High School and introducing a reading programme in Alligator Pond,

Shana-Lee Coley Smith, a representative of the St Thomas Parish Library, highlighted the significant impact the refurbishment of the computer lab has had on the institution.

“Since the donation, the computer lab is constantly filled with library users completing assignments, browsing social networking sites, and accessing job resources. Most importantly, we restarted the basic computer training session for seniors, with 11 participants beginning training in November 2024,” she shared.

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development.