The GraceKennedy Foundation has donated J$2 million to the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund, a multi-sectoral partnership, mobilizing and distributing resources towards the protection and welfare of the citizens of Jamaica primarily through two key areas – food security and health services.

The funds have been earmarked to purchase 3D printers and supplies to support the Citizens Response Jamaica initiative (CRJ), founded by a group of concerned Jamaicans, to create personal protective equipment and repair medical equipment in Jamaica.

 

In the interim, the Foundation’s parent company, GraceKennedy Limited  has lent a 3D printer to  Citizens Response Jamaica . This 3D printer was previously in use at the GraceKennedy Parade Gardens STEM Centre, operated by the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation on Water Lane in downtown Kingston.

“The work of the CRJ is proof that when we come together as citizens for the good of our nation, amazing things happen. We are so impressed with the substantive work being done by the CRJ, to assist those on the frontline. The GraceKennedy Foundation is happy support the CRJ in this critical way, especially with the supply chain issues and shortages being experienced to procure protective and medical equipment to assist in the fight against the deadly virus,” stated Caroline Mahfood, Chief Executive Officer, GraceKennedy Foundation.

Larren Peart, Founder of Citizens Response Jamaica and CEO of Bluedot revealed that, “To date, 72 countries have implemented export restrictions on corona-related supplies, resulting in global supply chains being severely backlogged, as many countries are on full lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.  We are grateful for the donation received from GK Foundation as this will further bolster the mission of Citizens Response Jamaica to assist in bridging the gap, and in delivering solutions to help the health sector.”

Citizens Response Jamaica is collaborating with public and private partners in order to supply the health sector with face masks, face shields, ventilator parts and other supplies. CRJ is also effecting repairs to ventilators, as well building ventilators locally.

To find out more about the Citizens Response Jamaica, visit www.citizensresponseja.com