HURRICANE IVAN has caused severe damage to the agricultural sector, especially in the southern and western sections of the island. The United Way of Jamaica is mobilising funds from corporate and other donors, aimed at assisting the agricultural sector to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan.
The United Way of Jamaica Restoration Fund (Hurricane Ivan) is being launched with an initial contribution of $2 million from the United Way of Jamaica, according to a joint statement from Alvaro Casserly, United Way chairman of the board, and Winsome Wilkins, its chief executive officer.
Emphasis is being given to the production of vegetables, peas and beans, crops such as yams, potatoes, bananas, poultry, small livestock, pigs and goats. Assistance will also be given to persons engaged in fishing.
The objective is to assist in restoring agricultural production, so that within four to six months, there will be an adequate output of local produce to help to feed the people.
RESTORATION EFFORTS
Appeals have already been made to United Way International and its network for assistance. Appeals are being made locally to corporate entities and contributors to United Way, for funds to help create a substantial pool to assist with the restoration efforts.
The aim is to raise $100 million from corporate entities and individual donors. Partnership arrangements are being made with the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in order to access matching funds, which the NCB has already announced. NCB has indicated that it will match each dollar raised with a similar amount up to a total of $100 million. Donations and contributions to United Way of Jamaica for this Restoration Fund are tax-deductible, United Way being an approved charitable organisation.
With the emphasis being on the agricultural sector, most of the funding will be channelled through the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Jamaica 4-H Clubs working with youth farmers and other agricultural groups.
SPECIFIC PURPOSES
Donors who wish to make contributions to the Restoration Fund for specific purposes, other than agriculture, may do so under the United Way Donor Option Programme. This allows corporate entities and other donors to indicate the special areas to which they wish their assistance to be channelled. Funds given for such purposes through the United Way of Jamaica are tax deductible.
Cheques may be sent directly to the United Way of Jamaica at 122-126 Tower Street, Kingston. In addition, contributions to United Way of Jamaica may be sent to:
National Commercial Bank: account number 351024429
Jamaica National Building Society: account number 20802164
Victoria Mutual Building Society: account number 22772867
Contributions sent to these accounts should be identified as being for United Way of Jamaica.
