- IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, chats with retired Ambassador Glen Holden, president of the American Friends of Jamaica, at the AFJ's annual awards distribution luncheon held in Stony Hill, St. Andrew, on April 28.
ONE MORE year, one more group of charities to benefit.
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) hosted another grants distribution luncheon on Friday at the residence of the United States Ambassador on Long Lane in upper St. Andrew.
President of AFJ, retired Ambassador Glen Holden (an honorary Jamaican if ever there was one), clearly looks forward to this time of year and reiterated the AFJ's stance on helping to better the lives of Jamaicans.
LOCAL CHARITIES
He revealed that the organisation has raised over $10 million dollars for local charities since its creation.
Current United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, who attended the AFJ's fund-raising dinner in New York back in November, was happy to be the host this time.
"I'll be here for the next three years, so I hope to see all of you," she chuckled.
The recipients are divided into categories: education, health care and human and economic development.
DIASPORA GIVING
Sixteen organisations received grants this year, including the AFJ Diaspora Giving Programme.
This initiative allows persons to raise funds through their own efforts to channel funds to Jamaican charities on their behalf.
The first donor was Karen Johns who hails from Kensington, Portland, who pledged US$5,000. The money will go towards building a community centre.
- D. K.
