In recognition of its 65th anniversary, furniture and appliance retailer Courts Jamaica has launched a ’65 Acts of Kindness’ charitable initiative.  

This was announced at the launch of the Court’s 65th anniversary celebrations on May 1 at the company’s Oxford Road corporate offices in New Kingston.   

‘65 Acts of Kindness’ forms part of the list of activities the company will implement during May, as it formally recognises its 65th anniversary in Jamaica on May 13. 

In a recent interview, Edwin Vaquerano, managing director of parent company Unicomer Jamaica, said with the national poverty rate increasing in 2023 to 16.7 per cent, the company wants to help reduce this figure by donating to 65 persons or families islandwide who are in dire need. 

“This is one way we say Thank You to Jamaicans who have continuously chosen Courts to supply their homes with quality furniture, appliances and electronics over the last 65 years,” Vaquerano said.  

He continued to explain that the 65 Acts of Kindness initiative will cost over $6.5 million and is one way the company continues to show gratitude to Jamaica. 

“Expressing gratitude to our customers is not just a formality, but a genuine acknowledgment of the trust they place in us. It’s important to be thankful for their continued support,” he explained.

To execute the 65 Acts of Kindness as part of their 65th anniversary, Courts will partner with Food for the Poor Jamaica, SOS Children’s Village located in St. Andrew and St James, the Jamaica Sunshine Netball House and Courts’ own Dare to Dream scholarship initiative.

Marsha Rose, development and marketing manager at Food For The Poor Jamaica expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries who stand to gain and were chosen by her charity.

“Courts Jamaica’s generous gesture to award 28 of our recipients with gifts in honour of their 65th anniversary, is a heartening reflection of their unwavering dedication to uplifting communities in need. By extending this act of kindness, they not only demonstrate their corporate responsibility, but also embody the spirit of compassion and solidarity. We are profoundly grateful for their enduring partnership and support, which serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. Through their generosity, they are not only providing material gifts but also spreading joy and instilling a sense of optimism among the recipients,” she asserted. 

For his part, Jason-Christian Brown, village director at SOS Children’s Village’s St. Andrew chapter said the children are already excited to receive the items from the list sent to Courts, which includes stoves, refrigerator, deep freezer, washing machine, smart televisions, irons, beds, desks and a sofa.

“Step by step, as we navigate a path towards our collective vision, Courts’ invaluable donation stands as a stepping stone of progress. Courts’ donation of these needed items serves as a catalyst for transformation, our very essence at the SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill. With every contribution, Courts propels our journey towards impactful change. We acknowledge their role as a pivotal force in shaping a better future for our children and youth. Thank you to the Courts 65 Acts of Kindness initiative and congratulation on 65 years of amazing service to Jamaica,” he mused, 

Marva Bernard, past president of Netball Jamaica expressed their excitement at the partnership.

“We are incredibly grateful to Courts for their generous support and commitment to Netball Jamaica.  Courts’ first sponsorship, rolled out in 2010, enabled the organisation to provide suitable and comfortable accommodation at the Netball House for all our national players. Their sponsorship made a significant impact on the players well-being off the court, building team spirit and camaraderie. This has undoubtedly contributed to their on-court performance and success. And now we look forward to working with them this year as we embark on an extensive refurbishment of the home – continuing the partnership.  Congratulations on 65 years of service to Jamaica!”

In addition to this 65 Acts of Kindness initiative, on May 3, the company, through its Courts Ready Cash brand gave away a brand new Hyundai Creta 2024 sports utility vehicle to a lucky customer in their ‘Big Money Moves’ competition, along with a motor bike, $J100,000 in cash and a television.