Bolt Foundation donates $900,000 to Mustard Seed children’s home for annual Christmas treat
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, through his foundation, has joined the Janet Richards Foundation in a nearly $1 million donation to brighten the lives of children with disabilities at the Mustard Seed Blessed Assurance Children’s Home in St James.
The presentation last Saturday included four patio tables with benches and umbrellas, a tent, a portable swimming pool, toiletries, educational items, and hot meals and snacks for children and staff. Each staff member also received a gift package.
Chairman and founder of the Janet Richards Foundation, Janet Richards, thanked Bolt for his continued support.
“When Melissa came I said, ‘Miss Wilkins, are you gonna do this again?’ She said yes. We promised. She did not even say no. She said, fix the budget and send it. And all that you see here today is a value of $900,000. When I when I bought these things. So I really, really want to thank Usain for his continued support,” Richards said.
“I thought deeply, and of course, this came to my idea, something that we unveil very shortly. And I spoke to the chairman (Winsome Wilkins) of Usain Bolt Foundation. And then I send the email to the foundation and tell them that I want to put in all these pretty things that you see here. Yes, it’s the gift that Usain Bolt made sure that he gives to this place, continues to give. I must welcome my friends, my support team,” she added.
Richards also revealed plans for a play area.
“And it’s not yet done, because there’s something else that we I am thinking about that I’m going to send to them. We are thinking of the play areas, because we want the slides for the children I know that they have their fancy thing there. They need, something to play, right? Play and rest, and in the name of Jesus, it will be done. It will be done some way,” she said.
Administrator Cordell Howell Huie expressed appreciation.
“I am, as usual, overwhelmed with the support from the Usain Bolt Foundation, and of course, Janet Richards Foundation. These foundations have been supporting us over the years,” he said.
The home, located in the Windsor Lodge/Adelphi area just outside Montego Bay, provides care for children and young adults with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.