Safa spreads love to KPH
Sprinting superstar Asafa Powell took time to show his humanitarian side yesterday donating $560,000 to help the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) purchase much needed linen bed sheets.
There has been a reported need for more than 6,000 sheets between the KPH and Victoria Jubilee hospitals with officials from the institutions noting that more than 2,000 sets are in dire condition.
The contribution was made through the former 100m world record holder’s Asafa Powell Foundation (APF), with Powell himself, handing over the $560,000 raised via an online #SpreadABed4KPH crowd funding initiative.
“I am really happy for the opportunity to show my support and give back to my country. We started a Spread A bed funding for the hospital, and I said I would match whatever donations were made. Some came out of my pocket and some were donated from the public,” Powell told the media, before adding that he will continue his efforts to raise funds for the KPH and other charitable causes.”The reception I got from people was really tremendous. I think we cut it off a bit early, or else it would be even more,” he continued.
Powell was partly inspired by a personal experience to give back to KPH after his brother (Ricardo) received medical care there.
“It’s not only about helping my brother because he is no longer here. I mean this is where all of Jamaica comes when they are sick so I am trying to help Jamaica, and trying to give back to Jamaica through this process,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Ruel Rainford, deputy chief executive officer at KPH said: “Well, Asafa wishes for it to be spent on linen, we are gonna have an initiative to purchase some well needed linen and have them installed on our wards.”
He added; “There is a great need for bed linen, due to constant leakages in the system ... any support in that area is always good, and needed.”