KINGSTON, Jamaica— Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ) is spreading holiday cheer this Christmas through the donation of 1,300 KFC meals to Food for the Poor (FFP) Angels of Hope initiative.

The donation was made through the KFC Add Hope programme, and over 500 wards-of-the-state and caregivers at 24 children’s homes islandwide will benefit from KFC Add Hope’s meal donations.

“Christmas is a special time to celebrate with family, friends and community. During this period, we focus on spreading joy, unity and hope to those who need it the most. It is our third consecutive year supporting Angels of Hope Children’s Homes Christmas activities, but not the last for KFC,” said ROJ Brand Manager Andrei Roper.

This donation is a continuation of the fast food company’s “extensive outreach philanthropic activities,” ROJ said in a statement on Wednesday.

It added that since 2018, KFC’s Add Hope programme has donated more than J$20 million in cash, meals, care packages and other support to several Government initiatives, children’s homes and NGOs, to benefit the nation’s youth, many of whom are among the most vulnerable in society.

Roper expressed the company’s pleasure in sharing this special celebration with the children.

“At KFC, we recognise the importance of Christmas to our children. The past two years have been filled with challenges and unexpected changes that dampened the usual Christmas glee, to which many are accustomed, especially our young. We are delighted and proud to partner with Food for the Poor once again in our continued effort to give back to the communities we serve,” he said.

Food for the Poor Development and Marketing Manager, Marsha Burrell-Rose, noted that ROJ’s contribution would further the organisation’s mission of uplifting and improving the lives of Jamaicans.

“Each year, the contribution from KFC brings added cheer and hope to children who are often unable to enjoy such opportunities due to budgetary constraints. It reminds them that they are not alone and that there are people who care about their well-being. It is beginning to look and feel like Christmas, and we are grateful for the continued partnership between KFC and Food for the Poor. As we move into 2023, we look forward to expanding the partnership to include sustainable projects to assist these homes,” she commented.

“Giving back is a part of ROJ’s culture; it is an important part of our mandate. We especially believe in investing in our youths and creating opportunities for those in need to add value to society. Our continued partnership with Food for the Poor is one way we try to touch and improve the lives of others, and KFC is proud to support the needs of those in challenging situations,” Roper added.