RESTAURANT Associates Limited (RAL), operator of the Popeyes, Little Caesars, Burger King, and Krispy Kreme Jamaica franchises, has announced a $1.5-million sponsorship of the National Child Month Committee’s (NCMC) efforts this year.

The sponsorship, which includes an allotment of cash, meals, and execution support for a number of activities, was announced last Friday at the annual Children’s Day celebration in Half-Way-Tree.

RAL, through its brands Popeyes, Little Caesars, and Burger King Jamaica joined the NCMC and other sponsors to distribute tokens to children on their way to school during the celebration.

Among the goodies for the children were meal vouchers courtesy of the RAL brands, fruit, juices, yoghurt, wristbands, and stickers with this year’s Child Month messages.

“We are very grateful for the partnership with Restaurants Associates Limited,” said NCMC first Vice-Chair Dr Michelle Campbell.

“This has given us the opportunity to reach more children in a practical way, not only from a monetary standpoint, but with the brands, through their meals. And we can see how excited our children are,” added Campbell.

According to Dr Campbell, the yearly Children’s Day initiative provides an opportunity not only for members of the NCMC and its sponsors but for all citizens who are charged with caring for the nation’s children in one way or another to pause, recognise and honour them.

“Unfortunately, especially with what we’re seeing within our society now, in our news, a number of our children are not being loved and protected as they should be. We see that they’re being abused sexually, physically, emotionally, and a number of them are neglected.

“So the opportunity to be in a space where they’re celebrated, to be in a space where they feel special, to have a partnership with Restaurants Associates Limited and other partners so that the children can actually get meals, get treats, get goodies, make them happy,” declared Dr Campbell.

In the meantime, RAL communications, community and strategy executive Rashai Graham said the company was delighted to join the NCMC this year as they champion stakeholders to ‘Act now! Stand against child abuse and exploitation’.

“We acknowledge and understand the very critical initiatives undertaken by the NCMC and other stakeholders such as the Child Protection and Family Services Agency.

As members of corporate Jamaica, given the opportunity to lend support by way of hot meals, toys, or even our mascots that help to bring a smile to children’s faces, we are honoured to take part in these initiatives for Child’s Month and to play our role in recognising and celebrating our children,” Graham said.

The sponsorship from Restaurant Associates Limited will also see the company and its brands collaborating with the NCMC and other stakeholders on various projects throughout the month.

As the largest quick service restaurant group in Jamaica, Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL) is proud to set the gold standard for quick service excellence, nourishing communities and creating jobs across the island.