FOOD FOR THE POOR 5K SET FOR MAY 7 - News Release - April 5, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kingston, Jamaica – April 5, 2016: In this Year of Mercy, one of the Corporal Works, ‘sheltering the homeless’ will receive the support of thousands of Jamaicans. Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica will on May 7 host its second annual 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for the construction of houses for indigent families in Jamaica.

The official launch of this event will take place on April 5 at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston.

Speaking in an interview recently, FFP Jamaica Executive Director David Mair said the organisation raised approximately J$46.5 million from the first staging of the event in 2015 and are hoping to surpass that amount for 2016.

“We’re proud to announce that 64 houses were constructed for poverty-stricken families across the island from the funds raised. However, 842 houses were constructed in 2015 by FFP overall. This is a major accomplishment for our charity group in its thirty-fourth year of existence,” Mair said.

He added, “For 2016, we are looking forward to extending our reach to more Jamaicans from funds raised from the 5K. We would like to build at least 100 houses and surpass the approximately J$46.5 million which we made last year.”

Mair said the best way to achieve this objective is through the support of Jamaicans, especially those from all levels of society.

Marsha Burrell, Development/Marketing Manager, FFP Jamaica, said the route for this year’s 5K remains the same as 2015’s route.

“The FFP Jamaica 5K race will start and end at Emancipation Park. Registration is now open on Running Event’s website.”

“In 2015, FFP’s head office equally matched the donations made through registrations. For 2016, the same will occur. Again, our head office in Florida has committed to matching the funds collected during registrations,” Burrell said.

Those interested in registering for FFP Jamaica’s 5K can to do so via the link http://www.runningeventsja.com/foodforthepoor. Those who register for the Premium
Package by Friday, April 15 will receive a souvenir. Payment, along with printed registration forms, can also be made at the Paymaster locations islandwide to register for the 5K. Those who choose this option of payment, will have to scan their receipts and entry forms and email them to secretariat@foodforthepoorja.org or hand deliver to any of the following locations:

• Stella Maris Church, 62 Shortwood Road, Kingston 8
• St. Richard's Church, 126 Red Hills Road, Kingston 19
• Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 120 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
• Chez Maria, 80 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5
• Food For The Poor, Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St. Catherine
• Running Events Limited, 87-89 Tower Street, Kingston

-end-

For more information, please contact Marsha Burrell at 859-9339 or 830-8945.

Prepared by PRO Communications Limited