In a move to support efforts to help manage the spread of the coronavirus, CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank opted to channel holiday giving through the efforts of Civil Society organisations (CSOs) working on the ground in communities.
A long-standing patron of the Salvation Army’s annual Kettle Appeal, the bank again made the donation of XCD5000.00 to declare the annual outreach drive open. In accepting the cheque, Major Derrick Mitchell of the Salvation Army said that despite Covid-19 challenges, the organization continues to provide food, clothing, hygiene items, masks and toys to the less fortunate across Saint Lucia.
“In 2021, despite COVID-19, the contribution of CIBC FirstCaribbean and other corporate and community partners made it possible for us to distribute 1000 grocery hampers at Christmas, 6711 hampers throughout the year and a total of 22,620 hot meals to Saint Lucians in need islandwide,” Major Mitchell reported.
Two other CSOs partnering with bank were the Police Welfare Association and the Soufriere Soup Kitchen, an organization that provides daily meals to the less fortunate within the Soufriere/ Choiseul region. Through the bank’s donation of XCD 4500, the Welfare Association successfully implemented its 13th annual care package hamper driver, to prepare and deliver food hampers to the elderly. The partnership with the Soufriere Soup Kitchen resulted in the preparation of meals and feeding of 40 men.
CIBC FirstCaribbean Country Manager Nigel Ollivierre said the bank was particularly pleased to support the efforts of the Police Welfare Association “as we recognize the importance of a trust-based relationship between the Police and communities. Citizens need to see the police as more than enforcers but also as part of the community, looking out for their neighbours.” In response, Sgt 311 Zachary Hippolyte expressed gratitude for making a 13th care drive possible and “helping us place food on the tables of many needy families, the communities where we serve”.