Eve for Life, an NGO that provides psychosocial support for women and children living with HIV/AIDS, got a welcome boost this week by way of a donation of J$1.5 million from Sunshine Snacks.

The donation forms part of a “Love Over Everything” initiative by the Trinidad-based Associated Brands Industries Limited, the parent company of Sunshine Snacks, and the Freetown Collective musical group, aimed at addressing and highlighting issues of gender-based violence faced by young girls and women in the Caribbean.

Statistics show that women account for 42 per cent of HIV/AIDS cases in Jamaica. In the vulnerable age group of 15 to 24 years, infected women and girls more than double the number of men and boys.

Vinnette Stephenson, Jerazeno Bell and Shantell Hill-Afonso of Sunshine Snack recently handed over the donation to Joy Crawford, Co-founder and Director at Eve for Life.

“There are so many women and girls who need help across Jamaica in dealing with issues of gender-based violence daily,” said Sunshine Snacks Brand Manager Shantell Hill Afonso regarding the importance of supporting for Eve for Life.

“By donating to Eve for Life, we are supporting the survivors of gender-based violence and those specifically impacted by HIV/AIDS. We intend to continue to assist organizations that dedicate their time and resources towards rehabilitating and empowering girls and women who have been affected.”

In accepting the cheque, Crawford said the money will go a long way in improving some of the services they offer.

“It has been a challenging year and we are excited and grateful for the support and partnership with @loveovereverything. With this donation, we will be able to improve the mental, emotional and socio-economic situations of our childhood sexual abuse survivors.”

Meanwhile, in Trinidad, a similar donation was made to the Rape Crisis Society with the aim of continuing the conversation across the Caribbean.

“This is part of the broader Love Over Everything initiative where Trinidadian band, Freetown Collective, partnered with Associated Brands to do a series of activities aimed at making a profound and practical impact in the fight against gender-based violence,” Hill-Afonso explained.

The initiative also included the release of a short film by Gabrielle Blackwood on Father’s Day and will conclude with a final film to be released on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.

Eve for Life was founded in 2008 in response to a dire need for support to women and children living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.