The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica has so far raised more than $80 million through the PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund.
The Fund is a multi-sectoral, private, public and social services initiative done in partnership with the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), United Way of Jamaica (UWJ), American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) and other key stakeholders. It aims to raise an initial target of $250 million, to aid in Jamaica’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
UWJ Chairperson Dr Marcia Forbes, says her organization is committed to partnering with the PSOJ to ensure this initiative helps to bolster the support Jamaica needs to successfully counter the effects of COVID-19.
Dr Forbes praised the PSOJ leadership for bringing key partners together for the PSOJ/COVID-19 relief initiative.
“This global crisis affects us all and requires a united effort to bring urgent and impactful relief,”
said Dr Forbes. She explained that UWJ is using its partnerships and network to disburse the Fund to organisations that will provide at-risk groups with resources. “The mission of the United Way of Jamaica, an organization established 35 years ago with the support of the PSOJ, is to mobilize the caring power of communities. Our volunteer leaders working with the PSOJ team and partners, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in mobilizing and managing funds and undertaking strategic interventions to bring relief and assist in rehabilitation and restoration in times of disaster.”
Another key partner, the CVSS, is focused on ensuring that the campaign operates efficiently to facilitate the greatest level of success in meeting the needs of Jamaicans.
CVSS Chairperson, Saffrey Brown noted that it will be leveraging the support of its membership of 125 organisations to mobilise their efforts in handling the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 in Jamaica.
As a member of The Fund’s Allocation Committee, Brown said that, “It is essential the funds raised targets those who are most at-risk or displaced due to this pandemic, and that we report and account for the utilisation of resources.”
The Fund will be targeting two critical areas – food security and health services – based on the expected impact of this unprecedented pandemic that has seen the sudden upheaval in the social and financial wellbeing of citizens across the country.
The PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund welcomes the support of all Jamaicans, both locally and in the diaspora, and all friends of Jamaica. Donations can be made through various channels.
Locally, individuals or companies that want to do wire transfers are asked to do so through the CVSS Account at National Commercial Bank (NCB) Chequing account number 061052429.
Alternately companies and/or individuals can use the CVSS USD account at JMMB – 006000181484
If you are overseas and would like to donate using your credit card, visit www.theafj.org. Alternatively, US based cheques may also be sent to the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) so long as the purpose of the donation is noted on the document. Once donations are channelled through AFJ, companies and individuals based in the US will be able to receive the added benefit of a 501 c (3) tax allowance.
