THE EDITOR, Sir:
I FELT disheartened when I saw the recent news report, that one of the SuperPlus Food Stores in Mandeville was robbed. This news was rather disturbing to me, because many persons in Jamaica are unaware of the fact, that the owners of the SuperPlus chain of stores are an outstanding set of philanthropists. Not only have they helped scores of individuals with various social problems, but they have over the years given continuous donations to United Way. This charitable organisation in turn used the money to help other community organisations and groups all over the island.
Just this month I attended a United Way awards function at the Hilton Hotel, where Mr. Richard Chen picked up a Platinum Award for his store's contribution. This award is given to corporate bodies which give $1 million and over to United Way.
MALIGNED POLICEMEN
Most Jamaicans do not know that the much maligned policemen and women are the champion donors for 2003, in the Employee Giving Section of United Way. These donors voluntarily sign up to give a percentage of their salary to charity and this amount is deducted from each person's pay before they get it.
They too like SuperPlus, also copped a Gold Award and I join with the rest of the United Way family in not only saying thanks to the police, but also the in-house co-ordinator Supt. Mary Royes-Henry and retired Asst. Commis-sioner, Keton Morgan who both helped to make all of this possible.
I am, etc.,
KENNETH GORDON
Fund-raising Chairman
United Way Central Regios
