Wednesday 31 October 2012

Food For The Poor Featured Three Times Within a Month on TVJ


Below are the links for the Food For The Poor's television coverage on TVJ's Ray of Hope

Monday, OCTOBER 8, 2012 - Food For The Poor / Social Development Commission House Building Project in Padmore:
http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/PrimeTimeNews.aspx/Videos/21361

Monday, October 15, 2012 - Santa Cruz Care Committee
http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/PrimeTimeNews.aspx/Videos/21517


Monday, October 29, 2012 - Official Opening of D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Manchester built by Food For The Poor :
http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/PrimeTimeNews.aspx/Videos/21856

Portland Residents get Help Following Hurricane Sandy

An elderly Portland resident received post hurricane supplies from the YB Afraid Foundation and Food For The Poor. On Sunday, October 28, 2012 both organization partnered to distribute much needed relief supplies in the communities of Norwich and Fruitful Vale in Portland.  Over 700 residents benefited from relief supplies. YB Afraid, Olympic medal winner Yohan Blake's foundation, made a monetary donation that was matched by Food For The Poor to assist families that were affected by Hurricane Sandy. 

FFP, YB Afraid Foundation Respond to Residents in Portland Affected Hurricane Sandy


Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica team members prepare hurricane relief packages for distribution to the communities of Norwich and Fruitful Vale in Portland on Sunday, October 28, 2012.  Following the passage of Hurricane Sandy, several residents in these communities were left homeless, while the property of others was severely damaged.  FFP responded by distributing several hurricane relief supplies including food, clothing, blankets, mattresses, shoes, nutritional items and WATA.  A total of 28 FFP staff members and volunteers participated in the distribution.

YB Afraid Foundation and Food For The Poor Assist Hurricane Sandy Victims in Jamaica


FOOD FOR THE POOR, INC.

                                      6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 · (954) 427-2222 · www.FoodForThePoor.org

CONTACT:               Jennifer Leigh Oates
                     Public Relations, FFP Inc.
                     (954) 427-2222 x 6054
                            jennifero@foodforthepoor.com                                                             

Erica James-King
Communication Mgr., PROComm
(876) 564-5277


YB Afraid Foundation and Food For The Poor Assist Hurricane Sandy Victims in Jamaica


COCONUT CREEK, Florida. (Oct. 30, 2012) – Hurricane Sandy victims in Fruitful Vale and Norwich in Portland, Jamaica, were relieved when a caravan of containers and trucks manoeuvred past downed power lines and debris to bring them emergency relief assistance on Sunday, October 28. YB Afraid Foundation and Food For The Poor partnered to bring the critically needed supplies to approximately 700 people in urgent need of assistance.

YB Afraid, Yohan Blake’s Foundation, made a monetary donation that was matched by Food For The Poor, and assisted in the delivery of food, WATA brand water bottles, mattresses, blankets, and shoes to soaked Hurricane Sandy victims.

The presence of the 28 Food For The Poor staff members and volunteers wearing the charity’s and YB Afraid Foundation shirts offered residents comfort and hope.

“No other organization has come in to help since the passage of the hurricane,” said Kedine White, a Fruitful Vale resident. “This is the first form of help we are getting, I am truly appreciative and I know the other residents are too.”

In Portland, many residents reported having the roofs of their homes ripped off, and creeping ocean floodwaters seeping in around windows and doors, filling homes with mud. The hurricane strength wind gusts and merciless rain bands have magnified the need for safe, permanent housing in Jamaica.

"My daughter and I were badly affected by the Hurricane,” said White. “I am so thankful to Food For The Poor for the help, especially the mattress, because we have been sleeping on a damp bed since the hurricane and my daughter's asthma has been acting up ever since. Now we have somewhere dry to sleep at night."

The storm's aftermath will be difficult for the island's farmers who report that ripe fruits were stripped from trees, banana plants were flattened, and pepper plants submerged in mud. 


                                                       Hurricane Relief_280738.JPG
FFP & YB Afraid Foundation Distribute Hurricane Relief Packages in Portland
25-year-old resident from Fruitful Vale in Portland, Kedine White, firmly grips a mattress that was donated to her by Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica and the YB Afraid Foundation during the distribution of relief items in the community on Sunday. YB Afraid, Olympic medal winner Yohan Blake's foundation, made a monetary donation that was matched by Food For The Poor to assist families affected by Hurricane Sandy in Fruitful Vale and Norwich, in Portland.



“The storm did a lot of damage in Portland,” said Blake. “A lot of people are suffering without shelter or even food to eat. I am glad to be in a position to help. Through my foundation's partnership with Food For The Poor and WATA on this project we are able to make a positive difference in the lives of those suffering."

Storm relief items from Food For The Poor-Jamaica’s warehouse in Kingston are being distributed and additional containers are expected to arrive soon. The most urgent need now is for cash donations so that food supplies can be replenished, and new homes can be built to prevent any more deaths from landslides.

In November, Blake will lead Food For The Poor’s 5K Walk/Run For Hunger in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Proceeds from the 5K Walk/Run will raise money to purchase food to feed destitute families in the Caribbean and Latin America. You can also help by signing up online to fight hunger alongside Jamaican Olympic medal winner Blake on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 a.m. at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Register to participate in the charity’s 5K Walk/Run online at www.FoodForThePoor.org/walk. While on the website, take advantage of free fundraising tips designed to help you reach your fundraising goal by sharing your ideas with family, friends, co-workers and contacts.

Cost of registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-10. There’s no fee for children 5 and under. The registration cost includes a T-shirt for the first 1,500 who sign up. There will be refreshments, live music, balloon artists, face painters and more at this family event. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m., the walk/run begins at 7 a.m. and the awards ceremony is at 8 a.m.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.


END

Saturday 27 October 2012

Food For The Poor to Assist Post-Hurricane Recovery of Small Farmers in Economic Diversification Programme


Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St. Catherine | Tel.: (876) 984-5005 | www.foodforthepoorja.com




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MEDIA RELEASE



FOOD FOR THE POOR TO ASSIST POST- HURRICANE RECOVERY OF SMALL FARMERS IN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAMME

Spanish Town, St. Catherine – October 27, 2012: Food For The Poor is conducting a preliminary assessment of the impact of Hurricane Sandy on small farmers in St. Mary and St. Thomas, who are participants in the Economic Diversification Programme For Banana Producing Parishes. Once the audit is complete, the charity will be assisting farmers who have sufferrred losses, to resuscitate their production.

The Economic Diversification Programme For Banana Producing Parishes seeks to provide alternative income-generating opportunities for small farmers, who traditionally cultivated bananas. It is financed by the European Union through the European Union Banana Support Programme (EUBSP), and implemented by Food For The Poor (FFP).

Norvel  Bedward  (right), Agriculturalist, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, listened attentively to  Daley Dawson (left), as he explained how he maintains healthy plants for the production of quality scotch bonnet peppers. Mr. Bedward was on a visit to the farm in early October. Mr. Dawson is one of the 20 recipient farmers under the Economic Diversification Programme for Banana Producing Parishes in Esher,  St. Mary. On Wednesday, October 24, the farms of several of the recipient farmers in St. Mary and St. Thomas were damaged, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. 


The charity is reporting that its investigations have so far revealed that 70% of the pepper plants established throughout the participating farms in Somerset, St. Thomas were damaged. Selena Ledgister-Kellier, FFP Agriculture and Fishing Manager discloses that pepper plants and peppers were destroyed as a result of the heavy winds and flooding of the Morant River caused by the hurricane. “Many farmers have lost their ready to harvest peppers,” Ms. Ledgister-Kellier pointed out. “The Morant River has cut off some of our farmers in Somerset and the situation makes it impossible for us to do a proper assessment at this time.”

The FFP Agriculture Manager is assuring that FFP will be assisting the farmers to recover from the losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Sandy. “We hope that by Monday or as soon as the river recedes, we will be able to distribute seedlings, fertilizer and welfare, to expedite the recovery effort,” she says.

With regard to the Esher community in St. Mary, FFP has outlined that the bee colonies and pepper plants have been “severely damaged.”  The charity reports that ready to harvest peppers got blown off the plants. “Some bee boxes were damaged by fallen trees and debris. The bees are contained and repairs are being carried out on the boxes,” explains Ms. Selena Ledgister-Kellier. FFP has committed to providing assistance to the affected farmers by early next week.

Relating his experience with the hurricane, one of the affected farmers in Esher, Delroy Robinson, says he has lost thousands of dollars in earnings due to Hurricane Sandy: “I had a lot of peppers ready to reap, and was planning to reap on Wednesday, but the hurricane change those plans. My fields got flooded out and a lot of trees also fall down and mash up the peppers.” Mr. Robinson laments that he has lost an estimated 300 pounds of peppers.

“My beehives don’t suffer any damage, because I use some building blocks to help hold the box dem in place, so the winds from Sandy don’t trouble them,” reports Mr. Robinson. Today, Mr. Robinson and several of his colleagues in St. Mary started to clean up debris from their hurricane-ravaged fields.


The Economic Diversification Programme For Banana Producing Parishes was launched in June and will run for 16 months. So far, some 14,101 pounds of peppers have been reaped by farmers in St. Mary and 13,508 pounds reaped by farmers in St. Thomas. The Programme is providing a total of 40 small farmers in the traditional banana producing areas of Somerset, St. Thomas and Esher, St. Mary, with the materials, training and technical support necessary to engage in sustainable production of scotch bonnet peppers, goats and bees/honey.  Most of the farmers participating in the project occupy holdings between 0.4 hectares and 2.4 hectares.

The primary partners/implementers of the project are the European Union through the EUBSP, and Food For The Poor. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has the oversight for the Programme, while the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) assists with its implementation.

Contacts:
Erica James-King|Communication Manager | PROComm l (876) 564-5277 or (876) 926-6740

Petri-Ann Henry | Public Relations Officer l Food For The Poorl (876) 564-2886 | petri-annh@foodforthepoorja.org  l Public Relations Dept. :(876) 907-3664

Friday 12 October 2012

Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign Delivers Gift of New Early Childhood Facilities to Esher in Hanover


Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St. Catherine | Tel.: (876) 984-5005 | www.foodforthepoorja.com


 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE



FOOD FOR THE POOR JAMAICA 50 CAMPAIGN DELIVERS GIFT OF NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD FACILITIES TO ESHER IN HANOVER

Esher, Hanover – October 12, 2012: A major dream of the school population at Esher Full Gospel Basic School in Hanover was realized this afternoon with the official opening of a new school building, which was constructed by Food For The Poor Jamaica. This is the fourth school to be constructed under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which is building and or upgrading 50 early childhood educational institutions in 50 months, in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence.  The new structure at Esher Full Gospel Basic School brings to two, the number of school buildings now available to that early childhood institution.


Students of the Esher Full Gospel Basic School in Hanover perform a cultural item at the official opening of the school on Friday, October 12, 2012. 

The expanded education facilities have solved the overcrowding problem and other challenges facing the school. Addressing the Official Opening Ceremony, Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica disclosed that following a request from the Principal Ivalyn McInnis, the charity intervened in the life of the Esher Full Gospel Basic School at a time when the institution was “experiencing serious overcrowding problems, limited classrooms, a need for administrative facilities, and challenges with a deteriorating school infrastructure.”

She announced that the new school building constructed by FFP comprises three large classrooms (which can be subdivided into additional learning spaces), a sickbay, an office, kitchen and bathrooms. Mrs. Johnson expressed satisfaction that with the new structure, Esher Full Gospel Basic School now has the capacity and equipment to better serve the community, and the neighbouring areas of Bulls Bay, Orange Bay, Elgin Town, Haughton Court, First Hill, Dry Hill, Lucea, Lances Bay and Cove.

The FFP Executive Director congratulated the school for its track record of quality service to a generation of Jamaicans. “Our wish is that this school will be a hub of success not just for the school population, but for all the communities, it serves,” remarked Mrs. Johnson.

She issued a special challenge to parents and guardians, urging them to be more proactive in being change agents and role models for the youth. “Let me caution you that the school cannot be the only agent of moulding positive lives!” stated Mrs. Johnson. “Parents and guardians, I implore you to exemplify the positive values, behaviour and discipline, which our country needs to prosper. I encourage you to lead service-oriented lives for the benefit of your community, parish and country.”

Jacqueline Johnson (left), Executive Director of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, addresses the audience during the official opening of the Esher Full Gospel Basic School in Hanover last Friday, October 12, 2012.   Listening attentively at the head table (from left) are Martin Babinec, representing the Babinec family whose donation supported the project; Dr. Mark Nicely, President Elect, Jamaica Teachers Association and Keynote Speaker; Neville Clare, Councillor, Lucea Division and Ivalyn McInnis, Principal, Esher Full Gospel Basic School. 


The FFP Executive Director appealed to citizens to refuse to settle for bad habits or mediocre achievements. “Instead, only be satisfied with excellence,” she encouraged. Mrs. Johnson expressed appreciation to the Martin Babinec family, as well as other donors and partners who have been contributing to the Jamaica 50 Campaign.

An elated Ivalyn McInnis, Principal, said the new school is a well-needed facility and would make for a more conducive learning environment for the 117 students and 6 teachers. “The new building has lifted our spirits and also made the learning environment more comfortable.  It’s really a great help to us,” the Principal declared, while pointing out that the school is now in a position to accommodate more students from the surrounding communities.

“We feel very comfortable and we will make the best use of the facilities,” Mrs. McInnnis promised.

Dr. Mark Nicely President Elect of the Jamaica Teachers Association, who was the Keynote Speaker, pointed out that the greatest return that any country will receive is what it spends on education. To this end, he has commended FFP for its extensive input in assisting with the development of the infrastructure of the island’s education sector, as well as its provision of assistance to students. Commenting on the FFP Jamaica 50 Campaign and its gift of a new school to Esher, Dr. Nicely added: “It is refreshing that we can stand here to participate in an initiative that seeks to get it right at the start. We are thankful to Food For The Poor and the donors for this initiative that will seek to transform our country.”

The JTA President Elect reminded the country that every child who will pass through the new school will one day replace the adult members of our society, so we must ensure that “ they become positive role models in our society.”


Jacqueline Johnson (left, at the door), Executive Director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, cuts the ribbon to signal the official opening of the Esher Full Gospel Basic School in Hanover on Friday, October 12, 2012.  Also participating in the ceremony, with Esher students are (from left): Neville Clare, Councillor, Lucea Division; Ivalyn McInnis, Principal, Esher Full Gospel Basic School; Martin Babinec and Mrs. Babinec, representing the Babinec family whose donation supported the project and Dr. Mark Nicely, President Elect, Jamaica Teachers Association who was the keynote speaker at the event.  


He cautioned that the country needs to be proactively nurturing persons who will become future leaders of high moral standing, and not those who are bent on criminality: “The fact is that we have no more room or we need no more of the current gun men in our country. We need no replacements for the current rapists in our country. We need no replacement for school robbers and we need no replacement of the current scammers.” Dr. Nicely reiterated the need for adults to instil positive principles in their children.

Donor Representative, Martin Babinec told the audience that his family’s partnership with FFP was done in honour of his late father William Martin Babinec of Blue Falls, New York, US, who was a devout Christian. He recalled that his father “walked the talk” on exemplary living by being dedicated to his faith, loving life and exhibiting compassion to his fellowmen.

Other speakers at today’s event included: Viola Frazer, Early Childhood Development Officer, Region 4; Neville Clare, Councillor, Lucea Division; and Lydia Redding, Beneficiary, FFP Educational Programme.

The Jamaica 50 Campaign is part of FFP’s ongoing support to the socio-economic challenges in Jamaica and the 16 other countries where the charity operates. Since its inception 30 years ago, the charity has made significant contributions to the education system through financial grants to needy students, distribution of school furniture and general school supplies, construction of basic schools and replacement of pit latrines with flush toilets. To date, FFP has upgraded the sanitation facilities in 50 educational institutions. Outside of the Jamaica 50 Campaign, since 2006, FFP has constructed 51 basic schools across the island.


Contact:



Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 

Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T:  984-5005

Wednesday 10 October 2012

FOOD FOR THE POOR JAMAICA, EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION & HEART TRUST/NTA TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 500 TEACHERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTIONS


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MEDIA RELEASE


Oxford Road, St. Andrew – October 5, 2012: Food For The Poor Jamaica, Early Childhood Commission and HEART Trust / NTA today celebrated World Teachers’ Day with the signing of a partnership agreement at the Oxford Road Office of HEART Trust / NTA, for the training of 500 early childhood education teachers, over five years. The Memorandum of Understanding which becomes effective this academic year will ensure that scholarships are provided to practitioners in the early childhood sector, who lack the required qualifications, owing to financial constraints in accessing and or completing the required Certification Programmes.

Signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding were: Rev. Hon. Ronald Thwaites, Education Minister; Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, FFP Jamaica; Michelle Campbell, Acting Executive Director, Early Childhood Commission and Dr. Carolyn Hayle, Executive Director, HEART Trust/ NTA.

FFP which is financing the project will disburse 50 scholarships every September and January for the next five years. Each scholarship will have a value of J$65,000 and will give scholarship recipients the opportunity to pursue National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQJ) Certification for Early Childhood Development Level 2. The scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, travelling and meal allowances for each recipient.

All the partner organizations are responsible for screening the applicants. HEART Trust / NTA will administer the programme and train the scholarship recipients. The awardees are to be placed in identified HEART Trust/NTA approved Centres and benefit from 48 weeks (or 12 months) of training. The Early Childhood Commission which is the regulating and coordinating agency for the early childhood development sector will be the advisory and monitoring body for the initiative. The partner organizations will engage in the monitoring of the programme and will have monthly consultations, as part of the monitoring mechanism.

A key requirement for involvement in the scholarship programme is that each applicant must submit a character reference from either a Pastor or Justice Of The Peace recommending him / her for the scholarship award.

In delivering Remarks at today’s event, the FFP Jamaica Chairman, announced that his charity will be supporting the scholarship programme to the tune of J$32.5 million.  Mr. Mahfood said the training of the 500 teachers is part of the charity’s celebration of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary, through the ‘FFP Jamaica 50 Campaign’. “In demonstrating our commitment to assisting with the development of the island’s early childhood sector, we are building and or upgrading 50 basic schools in 50 months in commemoration of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee,” explained Mr. Mahfood. “The Campaign is also enhancing the quality of knowledge, qualification and expertise of teachers in early childhood institutions.”

He expressed FFP’s commitment to improving the infrastructure and human resources in early childhood institutions. “We want our nation to have the best quality of teachers so we will be supporting those teachers who do not have the means to access advanced training. We will also be assisting those teachers who had been pursuing early childhood education programmes, but have had to discontinue their studies due to financial constraints,” the FFP Jamaica Chairman stated.

The ECC and HEART Trust / NTA have also pledged their commitment to the scholarship programme. Dr. Carolyn Hayle told participants in today’s Signing Ceremony that her organization “is very pleased to be partnering with the Food For The Poor and the Early Childhood Commission to support the training and certification of Early Childhood Practitioners at the Level 2 National Vocational Qualification standard.”

Pointing out that a good early childhood education is essential for the nation’s development, Dr. Hayle noted that the advanced training of early childhood practitioners “will ensure that going forward, we will have a sustainable workforce to drive the economy.”

The HEART Trust / NTA Executive Director indicated that the partnership is a historic initiative for the early childhood sector.  “Through the partnership with the Food For The Poor, for the first time we will be able to provide financial assistance directly to the Early Childhood Practitioners who need help in off-setting transportation and related costs,” Dr. Hayle pointed out. “This collaboration will therefore support those who are most in need and ensure that they are able to successfully complete their studies.”

Commending the joint agreement, Mrs. Michelle Campbell reiterated that the training programme will prepare practitioners with the skills sets that support parents, contribute to the functioning of an efficient work environment and offer stellar customer service to children and adults alike.  Expressing concern that currently, there is a training deficit in the early childhood sector, Mrs. Campbell outlined that the majority of practitioners in the sector have low levels of qualification.

The Acting Executive Director of the ECC believes the scholarship programme is of great importance in enhancing the development of the practitioners and the nation’s children: “This partnership with FFP, HEART Trust/NTA and the ECC to support the training of 500 practitioners at Level 2 will enhance the manpower of the sector and produce professionals that are equipped to demonstrate the developmentally appropriate practices that foster the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual development of children typical and atypical from birth to age six.”



SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 500 EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS
Rev. Hon. Ronald Thwaites, Education Minister (centre); Andrew Mahfood (2nd right), Chairman, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica; Michelle Campbell (right), Acting Executive Director, Early Childhood Commission (ECC); and Dr. Carolyn Hayle, Executive Director, HEART Trust/ NTA sign the Memorandum of Understanding to provide scholarships to 500 early childhood education teachers, over five years. Representatives from the three partner agencies observe the signatories: (from left) Elizabeth Terry, Director, Special Projects, HEART Trust / NTA; Dr. Wayne Wesley, Chief Technical Director, HEART Trust / NTA; and Richard Williams, Manager, Early Childhood Development Services, ECC and Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP.


Keynote Speaker, Rev. the Hon. Ronnie Thwaites, welcomed the scholarship programme, deeming it “the largest possibility of introducing training into the early childhood sector,” and predicted that it will yield big dividends for the recipients, their young charges and the education sector. Indicating that more than a quarter of Jamaica’s children are experiencing some learning/ educational deficiencies, Minister Thwaites explained that the best place to recognise and start to address these deficiencies is at the early childhood level.  He said the scholarship programme would put the teachers in a better position to address educational deficiencies in pre-primary children.

Noting that the early childhood sector receives only 4% of the education budget on an annual basis, Minister Thwaites cautioned that the nation needs to stop marginalizing the practitioners in that sector.

Commending Food For The Poor for the donation of “gift and grace and hope to our Jamaican children”, the Education Minister said the initiative would sensitise more early childhood education practitioners to the needs of their communities and inspire them to participate in outreach activities to residents.

Among the attendees at today’s Signing Ceremony were: Dr. Wayne Wesley, Chief Technical Director, HEART Trust / NTA; Elizabeth Terry, Director, Special Projects, HEART Trust / NTA; Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP; Ron Burgess, Senior Director, Recipient Services, FFP; Susan Moore, Director, Recipient Services, FFP; Jean Lowrie-Chin, Board Member, FFP; Richard Williams, Manager, Early Childhood Development Services, ECC and La Donna Manning, Communications Manager, ECC.
________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King| PROComm l 926-6740 I Erica.James-King@procomm.com.jm
Petri-Ann Henry | Food For The Poor I   984-5005 | petri-annh@foodforthepoorja.org

Thursday 4 October 2012

Gold and Silver Medalist Yohan Blake to Lead Food For The Poor’s 5K Walk/Run For Hunger

Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 · (954) 427-2222 · www.FoodForThePoor.org


Gold and Silver Medalist Yohan Blake to Lead Food For The Poor’s 5K Walk/Run For Hunger

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2012) – Jamaican Olympic medal winner Yohan Blake will lead Food For The Poor’s 5K Walk/Run For Hunger on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 a.m. at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Blake, nicknamed “The Beast,” is the current world champion over 100 meters and a silver medalist at the 2012 Olympics in London in the 100 and 200 meters.

“It’s really great that Food For The Poor is stepping up to help more people overcome poverty,” said Blake, one of the world’s youngest and fastest sprinters. “It is a cause that’s near to my heart as a Jamaican, and I’m happy to be part of something so special, including giving back to my country.”


Blake’s participation in the charity’s 5K Walk/Run is especially meaningful because both the athlete’s and the nonprofit’s legacies started in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Born in 1989, Blake has dedicated his life to the sport, and is currently tied as a second-fastest man in the 100 meter race after Usain Bolt. The two were part of the Jamaican 100 meter relay team that won the gold medal and broke a world record in the London Olympics. In 1982, the nonprofit started out as a small feeding program in Jamaica, and since then has grown exponentially to become the largest international relief organization in Jamaica and the United States.

“We are so honored to have a Jamaican national hero join us for this important and fun event,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “He has channeled his passion and enthusiasm so beautifully for the sport, and to serving the underprivileged. He is a true hero.”

Proceeds from this year’s 5K Walk/Run will raise money to purchase food to feed destitute families in the Caribbean and Latin America.


You can register online at www.foodforthepoor.org/walk. Cost of registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-10. There’s no fee for children 5 and under. The registration cost includes a T-shirt. There will be refreshments, live music, balloon artists, face painters and more at this family event.

This year, a generous donor has agreed to match every dollar raised with an additional dollar’s worth of food. While on the website, take advantage of free fundraising tips designed to help you reach your fundraising goal by sharing your ideas with family, friends, co-workers and contacts.

Special awards will be given to top finishers of each age group. Food For The Poor will be using AccuChip to provide state-of-the art timing and scoring.  This service is used for running, triathlon, swimming, mud runs and biking events in Florida.

For more information, please send an email to events@foodforthepoor.org. You can also register the day of the event.  Registration starts at 6:30 a.m., the run/walk begins at 7 a.m. and the awards ceremony is at 8 a.m.

The 5K Walk/Run is presented by Winn Dixie.  Event sponsors are Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Corner Bakery Cafe, PNC, Runners Edge, Team Reliv, WATA, Wells Fargo, and World of Beer.

Yohan Blake limited edition commemorative WATA bottles will be distributed at the run/walk.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.



D. FRANK’S EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY

(From left) Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association; Jacqueline Johnson, Senior Consultant, Food For The Poor; Parish Councillor McArthur Collins; an Assistant Teacher and Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester conduct the second of two ribbon cutting ceremonies at the official opening of the D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale Manchester.  The students (centre) of that school witness the ribbon-cutting exercise. The event took place on Thursday, September 27. The facility includes three classrooms, a sickbay, an office area, bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.



Sally Porteous, Custos of Manchester commends the partnership, which went into building the D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale, in the parish. She was speaking at the official opening of that educational institution on Thursday, September 27. Sharing in the official opening ceremony are: Nadine Leachman, Acting Regional Director, Ministry of Education; Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester; Susan James, Project Manager to Jamaica, FFP Inc.; Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, Donor Representative, Kind Hearts Ltd.; Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association; Wendy Freckleton, President, Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Gloria McKenzie, Principal. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.


Wendy Freckleton, President, Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCC) updates the audience on the community efforts which went into the construction of the D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale Manchester. She was delivering remarks at the official opening of that educational institution on Thursday, September 27. The MCC President recounted that the residents assisted with painting and the erection of a perimeter fence.  She announced that the residents have given their commitment to undertake a beautification programme at the school. Seated at the head table are: Sally Porteous, Custos of Manchester; Nadine Leachman, Acting Regional Director, Ministry of Education; Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester; Susan James, Project Manager to Jamaica, FFP Inc.; Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, Donor Representative, Kind Hearts Ltd.; Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association and Gloria McKenzie, Principal. The Manchester Chamber of Commerce helped in acquiring the property, Kind Hearts Ltd. financed the construction, while Food For the Poor built the school. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence.


Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, shares a light moment with the audience, during his address at the official opening of the D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale Manchester on Thursday, September 27.  Also participating in the event (from left at head table) are: Sally Porteous, Custos of Manchester; Nadine Leachman, Acting Regional Director, Ministry of Education; Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester; Susan James, Project Manager to Jamaica, FFP Inc.; Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, Donor Representative, Kind Hearts Ltd.; Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association; Wendy Freckleton, President, Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Gloria McKenzie, Principal. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.


Students of D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale Manchester, perform a dramatic poem entitled: “I am special”, during the official opening of the school on Thursday, September 27. Seated at the head table are: Deacon Ron Burgess, Senior Director- Recipient Services, Food For The Poor; Sally Porteous, Custos of Manchester; Nadine Leachman, Acting Regional Director, Ministry of Education; Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester; Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, Donor Representative, Kind Hearts Ltd.; Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association and Wendy Freckleton, President, Manchester Chamber of Commerce. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee.



Nadine Leachman, Acting Regional Director, Ministry of Education, makes a point during her Keynote Address at the official opening of the D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale Manchester.  Sharing in the event at the head table are: Sally Porteous, Custos of Manchester, Mikael Phillips, Member of Parliament for North West Manchester; Susan James (foreground), Project Manager to Jamaica, FFP Inc.; Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, Donor Representative, Kind Hearts Ltd.; Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association and Gloria McKenzie, Principal. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.


Gloria McKenzie (left), Principal and Jacqueline Stewart Lechler (right-background) of Kind Hearts Ltd. cut the ribbon for the official opening of the D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute in Greenvale Manchester. Also participating in the first of two ribbon-cutting ceremonies that day are: Susan James (foreground), Project Manager to Jamaica, Food For The Poor Inc.; Nadine Leachman (partially hidden), Acting Regional Director, Ministry of Education; and Wendy Freckleton, President, Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The official opening of D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute was held on Thursday, September 27.  The Kind Hearts Ltd. financed the project, Manchester Chamber of Commerce helped in acquiring the property, while Food For the Poor built the facility. D. Frank’s Early Childhood Institute is the third school to be officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to construct 50 early childhood institutions in 50 months, in observance of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.