Japanese philanthropists donate towards health in St Ann
AGROUP of 18 Japanese nationals, on holiday in Jamaica, took some time out on Tuesday evening to extend their benevolence to the people of St Ann.
Each year, the individuals, who are mostly company executives, get together and choose a destination to spend their vacation, with the intention of making donations to a worthy cause wherever they decide to go.
Emiko Shirakura, who resides in Ocho Rios and acted as interpreter and facilitator, explained that the entire procedure is regarded as part of a “cleansing” process for the individuals.
This year, they chose Jamaica, and right after enjoying themselves at the world-renowned Dunn’s River Falls and Park, the group headed to the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital to make donations to that institution, as well as the Jamaica Cancer Society St Ann-St Mary Branch, and to cancer patient Doreen Murdock.
Each contributor enveloped their donation before handing it over, and while the total amount was not immediately available, the money is to be split three ways.
Leo Garel, CEO of the hospital; Marilyn Williams, branch manager for the cancer society, and Murdock were on hand to accept the donations, with a little help from Custos Norma Walters and Custos Emeritus Radcliffe Walters.
Garel, in expressing delight at the contribution, pointed out that the St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital is in need of several pieces of equipment, including an X-ray machine, estimated to cost about $50 million, along with infusion pumps, emergency trolleys, ECG machines, among other items.
Meanwhile, the cancer society will use the funds to continue its treatment programme for cancer patients across St Ann and St Mary.