EXCEEDING its fund-raising target for this year’s staging of its charity run/walk event, RAYZ For Life 5K, Jamaica Energy Partners Group (JEP Group) has donated $2 million to Bustamante Hospital for Children to support its ongoing efforts to provide critical paediatric care.

With the original fund-raising target set at $1.5 million, the recent annual event brought together hundreds of participants, volunteers, and corporate sponsors in a powerful display of community and compassion to smash that amount.

“The Bustamante Hospital for Children holds a special place in the hearts of Jamaicans, and we’re honoured to contribute to its mission,” JEP Group President and CEO Dr Wayne McKenzie is quoted in a release.

“This donation reflects the collective generosity of every participant, partner and sponsor who supported the RAYZ For Life initiative. We even had a sponsor from as far as Florida.

“It shows that people do care. They care about their fellow citizens, the health sector, and contributing to cancer awareness and research,” he added.

The proceeds from the event is expected to go toward obtaining vital medical equipment for the Oncology Department, ultimately improving the lives of the children who rely on the health-care institution for specialised treatment.

CEO of the Bustamante Hospital Anthony Wood praised the JEP Group for their support and partnership to raise funds for eradicating cancer, especially for children who are diagnosed.

“A lot of people in Jamaica don’t know that children are diagnosed with cancer, and to raise this level of awareness is so important,” he said.

Wood added that the need for medical equipment is essential.

“Especially vital sign monitors because this helps doctors make informed decisions as it relates to the diagnosis of children and overall monitoring of patients,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who was a patron at the event, noted that RAYZ For Life 5K events are a worthy cause to support.

“It is an amazing corporate social responsibility project which raises funds for cancer. They’ve [JEP Group] donated to the Spanish Town Hospital, Hope Institute and Kingston Public Hospital,” she said.

“We give thanks for companies like this that not only work and do this for a living but also put their hearts into doing better for the communities,” she added.

With its third staging a success, RAYZ For Life 5K continues to grow in scale and impact, reinforcing JEP Group’s commitment to health, community upliftment, and social responsibility.

The 5K event featured a family-friendly route through the Norbrook Loop, pre-run warm-up sessions, entertainment, and giveaways, all geared towards creating a meaningful and memorable experience for attendees.

Dr Wayne McKenzie (left), president & CEO of JEP Group, shares a light moment with event host Johnny Daley at the recent RAYZ for Life 5K.

Bustamante Hospital for Children team members proudly accept a symbolic cheque representing $2 million in proceeds from the RAYZ for Life 5K, donated by the JEP Group. From left: consultant haematologist/oncologist, Dr Kadine Orrigio; Acting Deputy Matron Michelle Finnikin-Campbell; medical officer, Dr Kayla Stewart; consultant haematologist/oncologist, Dr Sharon McLean-Salmon; CEO, Bustamante Hospital, Anthony Wood; and Nurse Candace Charles.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith is all smiles as she takes on the slopes of the Norbrook Loop during the RAYZ for Life 5K recently.

Even the little ones joined in! This young participant enjoyed the RAYZ for Life 5K in comfort, stroller-bound with tablet and snacks in tow.

A jubilant Deidre Lewis from Sagicor crosses the line as the first woman runner in the recent RAYZ for Life 5K.

Antonio Newman stays focused and in his zone as he pushes toward the finish line of the RAYZ for Life 5K.

And they’re off! Runners spring into action at the start of the RAYZ for Life 5K, with some checking their watches as they settle into race mode.