GraceKennedy stays on for seven more years
THERE IS something about the ISSA Boys and Girls’ Champs that has GraceKennedy hooked. Jamaica’s premier food manufacturer has signed another deal with the school athletics programme which will see them offering sponsorship support for another seven years.
The relationship has already lasted 11 years and GraceKennedy is not shy on its commitment to seeing that well needed resources are pumped into the development of student athletes.
Business development manager at Grace Foods & Services, David Reid, outlined the company’s passion for school athletics and explained the fundamentals of the company’s belief in supporting youth sports.
“GraceKennedy has always believed that what is good for Jamaica is good for GraceKennedy, and t his is a testament to this belief. Champs is the most i mportant athletic meet in Jamaica and the hemisphere. It has unearthed many of our local talents over the years, and we are proud to be associated with such a historic and prestigious proving ground for our youth.
“It also provides us with a revolving door of young Jamaicans to build a relationship with by facilitating interaction with our products and services. GK also engages the youth through our sponsorship of schoolboy cricket.”
PROUD TRADITION
GraceKennedy has a very proud tradition of treating with its Corporate Social Responsibility, and many students who have benefited have even gone on to work with the company.
The GraceKennedy Foundation has for the last 20 years sought to provide opportunities for youth through the offering of scholarships for children at the tertiary level.
The Grace & Staff Community development programme is funded by the voluntary contributions by staff. It funds children in communities across Jamaica, including Barbican, Southside, West Kingston, Majesty Garden, Denbigh in Clarendon, Savanna-la-Mar (communities in and around Grace Food Processors Meat Plant) in Westmoreland; and 12 districts in Spanish Town. Their efforts have benefited approximately 1,000 students at various levels in their educational careers. The company also operates homework centres in the communities as well as fund breakfast programmes at basic school and primary school level, particularly through the Grace Kitchens & Consumer Service Centre.
According to Reid, the company now sees itself in a role that more relates to the development of local talent, which is essentially an investment in the future of Jamaica’s track and field.
“We have seen first-hand what a little investment can do. We are proud to celebrate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and all the others who have represented the nation internationally and brought us so much joy. Even where athletes do not have direct relationships with GraceKennedy, we still give them the kudos because at the end of the day it is one team Jamaica and we are a full hundred Jamaican company. We are pleased and excited to be involved with Champs for an extended period and we will do all that is required to ensure that we see the next generation of athletics stars emerging from the process. We are anticipating a highly competitive staging this year, and we urge the people to come out and enjoy the greatest school athletics competition on earth.”