New Era makes major donation to Walker’s Place of Safety recovery fund
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Leading real estate development company, New Era Homes 2000 Limited, has donated a million and one dollars to aide the recovery of the Walker’s Place of Safety in Kingston, which was destroyed by fire on January 15.
The significance of the $1,000,001 figure, is that it is exactly one dollar more than the $1 million donated last week by Olympian sprint hero, Usain Bolt.
At the presentation, New Era’s chairman, Elia “Leo” Taddeo, cited the immediacy of the news reports about the fire, and the outpouring of support by Jamaicans, including Bolt, which he said inspired him to make the donation.
“When I read the tragic story of the fire that destroyed the Walker’s Place of Safety and claimed the lives of two of its residents, I felt instantly compelled to do my part to assist,” Taddeo said.
He added that the urge to help became even stronger, after seeing the commitment from Bolt and others.
“It drove home the importance of going beyond the expected, to make a contribution that could significantly assist in the recovery. I also want to encourage other companies to come on board and support the cause,” he added.
New Era will also donate building supplies from their Dyke Road, St Catherine facility, to help in the rebuilding of the institution.
New Era Homes 2000 opened in 1997, and is known in the building industry for its emphasis on modern layout designs, finishings and cost integrity.
It has built out some of Jamaica’s most celebrated middle class communities including Caymanas Estate, Caribbean Estates, Angels Estate, Vineyards Estate, Cedar Grove and Cedar Manor.
The company is now in the final stages of development for its upscale Marina Village and Marina Villas in Drax Hall, St Ann.
Thirty-four children residing at the home had to be relocated to three residential child care facilities in the Corporate Area, accompanied by social workers and their caregivers, after a major fire destroyed the premises on January 15, and killed two of its 36 boarders.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Floyd Green, commended New Era for its support and encouraged other corporate entities to join the effort to restore the children’s home.
Balford Henry
