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Flow Foundation supports ‘Connected Life’ relief effort for St Elizabeth residents

Published:Wednesday | August 14, 2024 | 12:09 AM
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LeVaughn Flynn (left), Flow’s public relations manager and a director of the Flow Foundation, distributes a back-to-school voucher and school supplies to Shellian Witter and her son Jacquan Parchment, at the Connected Life Back-to-School Relief Effort at
Contributed
LeVaughn Flynn (left), Flow’s public relations manager and a director of the Flow Foundation, distributes a back-to-school voucher and school supplies to Shellian Witter and her son Jacquan Parchment, at the Connected Life Back-to-School Relief Effort at BB Coke High School on Friday, August 9.
From left: Flow team members Sherice Preddie, Sasha-Gay Luke, and Chelsey Cunningham package items for distribution to parents at the Connected Life Back to School Relief Effort at BB Coke High School on Friday, August 9
Contributed
From left: Flow team members Sherice Preddie, Sasha-Gay Luke, and Chelsey Cunningham package items for distribution to parents at the Connected Life Back to School Relief Effort at BB Coke High School on Friday, August 9
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Over $1m in vouchers for school uniforms and other supplies have been distributed by the Flow Foundation to young residents of Junction, St Elizabeth. The assistance is timely as many of the families that reside in that area are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The initiative saw the Flow Foundation, the JPS Foundation and the Digicel Foundation joining forces to host a community relief event that has helped to ease the demands of the back-to-school period for parents.

The event hosted at the BB Coke High School on Friday, August 9, was themed ‘Connected Life’and included the distribution of other essential school supplies and the provision of medical checks and grooming services. Residents were also treated to an Olympics watch party while children enjoyed a fun-filled day of games and rides. Other partners of the event included Food For the Poor, National Water Commission and the HEART/NSTA Trust.

Danielle Savory, senior manager, communications, Flow, said Friday’s event was an extension of the humanitarian aid being offered by the organisations since Hurricane Beryl impacted the island on July 3. “Immediately after the storm passed, Flow, along with JPS and Digicel, were in the communities supporting families to recover from the storm’s impact,” said Savory. “It is not uncommon for us to provide aid, but this time was very special for us. Flow has returned to the St Elizabeth community to provide even more support for the families as they work to get their children ready for school despite the significant challenges they still face.”

STRONG SIGNAL

Edith Bennett and her granddaughter Davina Parchment were among the beneficiaries of the uniform vouchers which Flow distributed. She expressed gratitude for the timely help. “Beryl took away half of my roof and severely damaged my home and I didn’t know where the first dollar was going to come from, so I’m really grateful for this support from everyone,” said Bennett.

Savory added that the collaboration by all the partners is a strong signal of their intention to make the recovery process easier for the residents of St Elizabeth. “The collaborative spirit demonstrated by all the partners is a direct response to the needs of the community. We are committed to help making every day better for the people of St Elizabeth and we hope that the families who benefited today can continue to improve their lives, one day at a time.”

Flow offered additional support for the event through the provision of high-speed Internet which enabled fast and convenient online access for all the patrons. A Flow charging station and giveaways of phones and tablets through patron engagement were among the highlights of the day.

A release notes that the Flow Foundation is in its 20th year of positive contributions to nation-building and ‘is dedicated to connecting communities and changing lives with our technology, meaningful partnerships, and community-driven initiatives’.