Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
Bertrand Bainvel (left) of the United Nations Children's Fund talks with Dean of the Consular Corps, Arnold Foote, shorly after collecting a cheque for just over $2 million for the tsunami disaster fund earlier this month at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston. In the centre is Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photograhper.
WHO SAYS Jamaicans are stingy?
In an outstanding display of kindness and compassion, more than 11,000 Jamaicans rallied to raise over $2.6 million for the Consular Corp of Jamaica's Tsunami Relief Fund.
The fund, which was launched by the Consular Corp immediately following the catastrophic tsunami that ravaged parts of Asia and Africa in December last year, saw Jamaicans from all walks of life giving freely to those less fortunate than themselves. Donations were made to an account set up at the Bank of Nova Scotia.
ELATED WITH RESPONSE
Arnold Foote, dean of the Consular Corp of Jamaica, told The Gleaner yesterday, that he was extremely happy with the success of the relief effort.
"It really is pleasing to note that it is the people, the masses that gave. It shows just how caring the people of Jamaica are. It really makes you proud to be a Jamaican," he said.
A cheque in the total amount collected was handed over to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Friday, March 4.
"We specifically asked UNICEF to ensure that the money is given to the orphan children in Africa and Asia. Many people don't realise that Africa was also affected by the tsunami," said Mr. Foote.
"On behalf of the Consular Corp of Jamaica, I would like to thank the people of Jamaica for their outstanding support. We would also like to say a special thanks to the Gleaner company for its contribution in getting word of the fund to the people of Jamaica. The success of the fund shows just how far-reaching the power of The Gleaner really is," he said.
