KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sygnus Real Estate Finance Limited (SRF), a speciality real estate investment company, is reaffirming its commitment to education and community development through a back-to-school donation to the St Patrick’s Foundation.

In a statement on Wednesday, SRF said the donation, totalling $250,000, is a testament to Sygnus’ dedication to empowering the next generation. The contribution will aid in purchasing book vouchers, uniforms, covering school fees, and assisting with examination fees for deserving students under the Foundation’s purview.

The charitable effort, SRF said, reflects the company’s holistic approach to driving positive change within the communities it serves. The gesture demonstrates the company’s understanding of the importance of education and its role in shaping a prosperous future for the Caribbean region, it added.

“As the new academic year commences, Sygnus recognises the significance of providing support for educational opportunities for students in need. Through our collaboration with St. Patrick’s Foundation, we hope to break down barriers to education and empower students with the resources they need to succeed academically. We firmly believe that corporate social responsibility is not just an obligation but a privilege. We are aware of the profound impact that businesses can have on society, and we will continue to embrace the responsibility to contribute positively to the communities we operate in,” said Justine Powell, Assistant Vice President, Investment Management at Sygnus.

“Our support for the back-to-school initiative aligns with our mission to promote sustainable growth and development. We recognise that by investing in education, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers,” Powell added.

The cheque handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the St Patrick’s Foundation headquarters, which included representatives from Sygnus, as well as, members of the foundation, and three beneficiaries, two of whom are members of the Riverton community.

“We are immensely thankful to Sygnus for their generosity and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our students. This generous donation of J$250,000.00 will benefit 32 of our students in multiple ways. This generous donation is also very timely as right now many of our students are facing financial difficulties, so this is a great help. We are grateful to Sygnus for their continued collaboration which is also a true testament to what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause,” expressed Hermine Metcalfe, Chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Foundation.

David Thompson of St George’s College is one of the 32 recipients of the SRF back-to-school donation. A former student of the Riverton Meadows Early Childhood Centre and a member of the Riverton Community.

He shared, “I am honoured to have been selected by the Foundation. When Mr. Rowe called, I was very delighted by the news. I’m now going into fifth form at St. George’s College and this really is a big help to my mom. She wouldn’t be able to do it on her own, so I am grateful and thankful to both The Foundation and Sygnus.”

Since 2018, Sygnus has maintained a relationship with the St Patrick’s Foundation and has coordinated over $2 million in support through its companies and partners. St Patrick’s is a non-profit human and community development organisation established in 1994 to serve people of West Kingston’s inner-city communities. The Foundation currently operates three community centres and a home for abandoned golden-agers.