The United Way of Jamaica celebrated its partners for change at this year’s annual Nation Builders and Workplace Philanthropy Awards Ceremony. 

The evening was spent honouring companies and individuals who have dedicated their resources in 2023 to supporting the United Way of Jamaica’s mission of mobilizing resources to transform lives throughout Jamaica.

Of the distinguished awardees, 35 companies across Jamaica were recognized for their Workplace Philanthropy programmes, where employees contribute a portion of their monthly salaries to the United Way of Jamaica.  These contributions add up quickly, and have enabled community development projects to support those most in need.  Of these 35 companies, the Jamaica Constabulary Force was awarded the Most Outstanding Workplace Philanthropy Organization, with DSP Dr Natalie Palmer accepting the award on behalf of the JCF.

The evening also recognized corporate and individual donors whose donations were instrumental in mobilizing projects in 2023.  Among those recognized were J.E.T.S. Limited and Windalco.  Taking home the award for Highest Corporate Donor was Carerras Limited who has been a supporter of the United Way of Jamaica’s work for many years.  Dr Robert Chen was honoured as the Highest Individual Donor.

The awardees and partners were welcomed and thanked by Dr Devon Smith, Chairman of United Way of Jamaica’s Board of Governors.  In representing the Board of Governors and CEO Taneshia Stoney Dryden, he shared the history of the United Way of Jamaica and how it has maintained this mission up until now.  “In 1985 when United Way of Jamaica was launched by our heroes—Carlton Alexander, Desmond Blades, Elon Beckford, Alvero Casserly, Noel daCosta, to name a few—they recognized the national importance of this organization to mobilize our private and public sector partners/stakeholders with that same credo: to make our communities a better place for everyone through cooperative action.  We have maintained and will always maintain this true North Star philosophy, championing this cause.”

Melanie Subratie Deputy Chairman, Musson Group of Companies & Chairman, Musson Foundation & Seprod Foundation, gave a motivating keynote address, highlighting the ways in which philanthropic work and partnerships are key to nation-building in Jamaica.  She highlighted the amazing work that is already happening across Musson Foundation, Seprod Foundation and the United Way of Jamaica, and how that foundation of community involvement and heart must be present.  “In the end, I don’t think any of our work is of real value without the community, but also without being decent and worthwhile humans.  These are really the building blocks of building a nation and building one in which we want to live. All of us as individuals have a role to play daily.  Civility needs its place as the cornerstone of what we are seeing in terms of nation-building.”

The evening’s Call to Action was delivered by Orville Hill, General Manager, Finance at Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). Hill shared his thoughts on philanthropic donations, “As we go through life, it is important to impact others.  When we do things naturally from our heart, most times, we do not recognize the impact it is having on the recipient.  But it stays with them, and as you go through your lives, it is important to do what you can.  Now some persons may not be able to make the contribution, in terms of your personal time that is invested, and that is where the United Way of Jamaica comes in – to be your agent. Therefore, the United Way of Jamaica provides an arm where you can make your contributions and they will take the support to those who need it most – and they will transform it and impact lives.  That is what we’re here to see: how can we improve the lives of your fellow human beings?”

To close the awards ceremony, special awardees, the Best Working Girls of St. Hugh’s Prep delivered the vote of thanks.  These young girls raised funds for the Farmer’s Rehabilitation Fund through a bake sale over the summer.  Demonstrating that you can become involved in philanthropy at any age, Cassidy, Nia, Madison, Bella and Kezia shared their thanks to all those in attendance and thanked the United Way of Jamaica “for recognizing us and all awardees as partners for change.  We are all truly honoured to be a part of this amazing journey of national building.”

The United Way of Jamaica launched their new website at their Nation Builders Awards ceremony, allowing existing and future nation builders to contribute through an online donation portal and learn more about individual giving, corporate giving, workplace philanthropy and volunteer opportunities.

The Nation Builders & Workplace Philanthropy Awards Ceremony took place on October 28, 2024 at the Pegasus Hotel.