Scotiabank partners with Jimmy Cliff
THE SCOTIA Foundation has partnered with the Jimmy Cliff Foundation to raise funds in aid of the island’s children.
The joint initiative will see Scotiabank and Jimmy Cliff hosting a fundraising dinner to launch the single called Children, written by Winston ‘Niney’ Holness and performed by Jimmy Cliff, as well as raise funds for the Jimmy Cliff Foundation, which intends to make a donation to the scoliosis and spine care programme at the Kingston Public Hospital, which will also benefit children in need of care.
The fundraising dinner will be held on the June 1, with Jimmy Cliff featured as the guest speaker.
INFECTIOUS AND APPROPRIATE SONG
According to Mrs Joylene Griffiths Irving, executive director at the Scotia Foundation and director of corporate and social responsibility at Scotiabank, the company decided to join with the Jimmy Cliff Foundation because the song was infectious and appropriate.
“We heard the song and we said, this is perfect; and when we heard the call from the Child’s Month committee for support, we came on board to give our support. We are going to be giving our resources, and it is really a partnership, so we are gong to be calling upon cor- porate Jamaica to be a part of the event,” she said.
Mrs Irving also said she had no issues forming partnerships with entertainers, as long as the music is positive and the cause is worthwhile.
“I have no reservations on this kind of music. I can play it, I can sing it, I can dance to it, and there is nothing negative about it. I think this kind of music is what we need to reverse what is happening. By preaching love, it will have an impact on you,” she told The Gleaner.
Jimmy Cliff told the audience that he loves children and he has always felt like a child even as an adult. He also said he was drawn to the song from the first moment record producer/songwriter Holness showed him the lyrics.
SAVING OUR CHILDREN
“I look at myself as a father ... all the children are mine, and with that kind of concept, you will be concerned for all the children. When Niney asked me to record the song, I did it full speed and I am pleased today that Scotiabank has come on board. Without the kids, we have no future, so this is a very serious situation. We have to do something to save ourselves, because in saving our children we are saving ourselves,” Cliff said.
Niney Holness later disclosed that the song was written 25 years ago. However, Jimmy Cliff was the perfect messenger.
“I have a child that is autistic and I bring him to Jamaica. But the way I see they deal with autistic kids in Jamaica, I felt like I needed to get this out. I said to Jimmy, this is what I have and that we wanted to send this one out to the kids, and I am proud of the results,” Niney said.
Additional information about the June 1 fundraiser dinner will be released to the media in the coming days.