April 22, 2020/KINGSTON, JAMAICA/ — At a time when many Jamaicans are facing unprecedented hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hardware & Lumber is supporting Food For The Poor [FFP] in its work to provide for those in need. The company today announced a donation of $1.5 million that will help Food For The Poor provide food, personal care items and medicines to vulnerable families that have been significantly impacted by this crisis.
“This is one of the most important times to be offering help and support, and we are thankful for the work of Food For The Poor which remains dedicated to assisting people in the greatest need,” said Marcus Richards, Managing Director, Hardware & Lumber.
The company which operates H&L Rapid True Value and H&L Agro will also give 1% of its online sales for three months to Food For The Poor.
Through its various extensive relief aid programmes, Food For The Poor has a vast distribution network which it has mobilized to help with the national response to the COVID-19 crisis. They are working alongside various stakeholders to assist with the collection, delivery and distribution of donated gifts; have procured food relief for quarantine zones and vulnerable populations, and have donated health care equipment to the National Health Fund for distribution to public hospitals.
“With so many Jamaicans feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, Food For The Poor (FFP) needs all the support it can get to help those most in need. That said, we are truly heartened by this timely donation from Hardware &Lumber,” said Kivette Silvera, Director Food For the Poor. “This support will go a far way in assisting those we serve as the demand for food and other relief items has increased significantly over the past weeks. There is no doubt that we have to fight this crisis together and so we thank Hardware and Lumber for responding to the call and for playing their part in addressing the needs of the less fortunate.”
The donation is made in partnership with Caribbean Love Now, the not-for-profit foundation comprised of businesses, including Hardware & Lumber, that are connected to investor Joe Bogdanovich. “Our communities need us now more than ever, and it is a privilege to support the COVID-19 response of Food for the Poor,” said Mr. Bogdanovich, Chairman of Caribbean Love Now. “In times of uncertainty and increasing challenges, we all should remain steadfast in our commitment to making Jamaica a better place for all Jamaicans. Together we will see this through.”