On Monday, February 17, 2025, a generous cheque for $16,300 was presented to the St. Lucia Diabetes Association (SLDHA) at their office, continuing Massy Stores Ltd.’s long-standing commitment to supporting the fight against diabetes in St. Lucia.
The cheque was handed over by Ms Kittel Raphael-Dubois, Marketing and Corporate Communications Officer at Massy Stores Ltd., to Mr Tedburt Theobalds, Vice President of the SLDHA Board. The funds include $8,000, which represents a portion of Massy’s annual contribution to the Association, along with $8,300 raised from Massy’s clients across their various outlets throughout November, which is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month.
Ms Raphael-Dubois expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing partnership and said, “We are proud to be a long-time supporter of the St. Lucia Diabetes Association, and we look forward to an even more significant contribution next time around. These funds are crucial for the Association’s mission, and it’s our pleasure to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes.”
The funds will play a key role in supporting the SLDHA’s critical services to individuals living with diabetes across the island. Currently, over 20% of St. Lucia’s adult population is affected by diabetes, with the prevalence steadily rising each year. The contributions from Massy and its clients are vital in providing education, health screenings, and support services to manage the disease, which remains one of the leading causes of death in the country. In this regard, organizations like the SLDHA rely heavily on the generosity of sponsors like Massy to achieve their goals and continue their important work.
“Non-profit organizations like the SLDHA make a huge difference in the community, and we are grateful to partners like Massy Stores for their unwavering support,” said Mr. Theobalds. The St. Lucia Diabetes Association recently hosted a thank you cocktail in November 2024, recognizing all their sponsors and prospective supporters, which was very well received. The event served as a reminder of the collective efforts needed to tackle the growing diabetes crisis in the region. As St. Lucia continues to face significant health challenges due to diabetes, the continued partnership with such sponsors ensures that vital services remain accessible to those who need them most.