The recent fourth annual MBJ Charity Run has set a new fundraising record of $21 million for education and community development in Western Jamaica. 

This achievement is a testament to the growing support and commitment from various stakeholders, including corporate sponsors and government officials.

Shane Munroe, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited, emphasized the event’s primary purpose: “It’s a charity event, a fundraiser focused on education. There’s a lot of need in the community, specifically across Western Jamaica, and this event allows us to support students at various academic levels.  One hundred per cent of these proceeds are going back to the community. We will be providing students with academic scholarships, and we will also be investing in some community development.”

Marking their 50th anniversary, the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) was the title sponsor for the calendar event. Audley Deidrick, President and CEO of the AAJ, highlighted their commitment: “This year was even more special because it’s our anniversary. We came on board not just as participants but also as title sponsors as this is one of the ways in which we interact with the wider environment and communities that our airports serve.”

Deidrick further underscored their long-term commitment, stating: “I am putting it out there from now that this is a permanent position that we are holding.  We know the importance of education in our country, not just for economic development but we have a scourge of crime, and we believe that education is one of the routes to rescue Jamaica from that scourge.”

Corporate sponsors also played a crucial role in the event’s success. Club Mobay, a long-standing supporter, brought about 60 team members to participate. Tanya Beckford, CEO of Club Mobay, stressed the importance of giving back: “Our communities need us. We are benefitting from their support, whether as workers or travellers. So, it’s always good to give back, and we need to keep this going.”

First-time sponsor, Elite Concepts and Solutions (ECS), also bought into the vision of supporting a worthy cause. “We always like to support great initiatives, and this is a special one for us.  It’s a charity event that supports education and will have wide-reaching impact,” shared Steffan-Chad Haughton, Marketing and Digital Services Manager.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon and the St James Municipal Corporation were also out to support and participate in the event. “I’m out here for three purposes. First, for charity, we’re contributing all the proceeds to education, and I’m a big supporter of education. The second one is fitness. I believe that we should live well and exercise as often as possible and this event allows us to get a good workout in. And the third one is the competition. I like to compete, and I’m looking forward to seeing my time,” he stated.

Vernon further outlined the benefits of the run to the city of Montego Bay. “It also helps to bridge the gaps that are lacking where public funding is concerned.  Many times, we have these public fundings available, but it’s not reaching certain persons and sometimes it’s not enough. So, it’s good when Montego Bay and Corporate Jamaica can come together for events like this for persons who are in need.”

Munroe expressed his appreciation to the organizing team, sponsors, volunteers and participants. “It takes a lot to pull off this event and each year it is bigger and better,” he said. Over 2,300 persons participated in the Run/Walk event which had over 86 sponsors. MBJ will be awarding the scholarships and announcing the community development projects in a ceremony later this month.