Noel DaCosta (left), chairman of United Way, listens to Deborah Stewart (centre), campaign and communications manager, and Winsome Wilkins, CEO, at the Nation Builders Awards ceremony held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston last Thursday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Despite the global economic recession, donors are still supporting charity organisations like the United Way of Jamaica.
The donors were praised at the annual Nation Builders Awards and Employee Awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last Thursday.
It was revealed that almost $1 billion has been donated to the United Way's 3,900 organisations since its formation in January 1985.
"We have done very well to help the people we can with whatever we get from these groups of philanthropists and we encourage them to continue to do all they can to help the less fortunate," remarked Chairman Noel DaCosta.
For the fourth consecutive year, Victoria Mutual Building Society won the top award for generosity to the organisation. In 2008, the group donated more than $13 million and has promised to continue its generous contributions.
The United Way received donations totalling $55 million in 2008. The group hopes the spirit of philanthropy will not be dampened by the global financial meltdown which has had a severe effect on business and consumer confidence locally.
This year, the charity is aiming to rake in $80 million. Among the pledged donors are Sherwin Williams, $4 million, and Capital and Credit, $3.5 million.
rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com