KINGSTON, Jamaica — At 72, widower Clinton Christie is starting over, turning to poultry farming after years of physically demanding work as a plumber.

“I am not afraid of trying something new,” he said, as he begins a new chapter following the recent loss of his wife to cancer.

The St Catherine resident and father of six has long relied on plumbing to provide for his family, but age and declining health have made that work increasingly difficult. Now, he is building an alternative to support himself, his youngest daughter Shenika and his two grandchildren.

His goal is to help Shenika complete her studies and become a forensic accountant.

“As long as I can help my daughter to finish school, it would be a great improvement,” Christie shared.

To make that possible, he applied to NCB Foundation’s 2025 Grant-a-Wish initiative, seeking support to build a fowl coop and raise chickens for sale. His application was selected from more than 45 submissions from vulnerable Jamaicans across the island.

Christie received a $100,000 grant to support the development of his small poultry business.

“Mr Christie submitted a practical proposal with clear potential to support his family over time,” said Perrin Gayle, chief executive officer of NCB Foundation in a release on Wednesday. “This initiative is about meeting people where they are and giving them a real opportunity to move forward.”

With support from NCB Foundation, he is now focused on building a more sustainable path forward.

“I could not make a fresh start without the help of NCB Foundation,” Christie said.

Clinton Christie, septuagenarian and Grant a Wish awardee shares his lived experience with the group of beneficiaries and NCB Foundation representatives at the Grant a Wish handover.