THE ROTARY Club of downtown Kingston will this year be doing its part in the local fight against HIV/AIDS.
Launching its 'major project' for 2003/2004, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, yesterday, the Club revealed that it will be seeking to raise $600,000 to purchase a motor vehicle for Jamaica AIDS Support (JAS). JAS is the leading local non-governmental organisation that educates the masses, as well as supports and advocates for persons suffering from the widespread illness. The organisation has offices in Kingston, Montego Bay, St. James and Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
"We are heartened because we are getting something that is going to improve our ability to deliver service. But more so we are encouraged because another entity has to take this on and take it further," said JAS director of Targeted Interventions, Ian McKnight, as he thanked the Rotary Club for its offer.
"Sometimes our own voices have been blocked out because we talk too much or because it's the same message over and over. For you as a club to want to take it further and to do what you can is very, very heartening," he added.
Pointing out that the once cash-strapped JAS currently receives the majority of its financial aid from abroad, Mr. McKnight said the local assistance will ensure the mobility of nurses who have to "get to the bed-sides of people who are suffering."
Speaking to The Gleaner, Anthony Chen, recently-elected president of the Downtown Rotary, said the make of vehicle had not yet been selected, but would probably be in the form of a panel van.
