Slow start to Road Safety 5K

Chad Bryan, Gleaner Writer

Managing director of Grennell's Driving School, Alphonso Grennell, is continuing with plans for next year's staging of the Grennell's Road Safety 5K. This despite the poor turnout to the inaugural event on November 17 and the shortfall in the intended revenue.

Persons were invited to run, walk and roll in order to raise at least $1 million for the Percy Junor Hospital and the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the latter badly in need of the 'jaws of life' equipment used to rescue persons trapped in crashed vehicles. However, it only managed to secure approximately $82,500.

Grennell undaunted

Despite this however, Grennell remains upbeat that the event managed to send out a message. "It was successful in the sense that the message was sent out about road safety, and if I managed to save one life with this message, then that's good enough. This is my contribution to help all of us," he said.

Grennell also noted that he had spent far more money on advertising than the amount collected. "We spent more money on other things such as filming and then editing the commercial, T-shirts and everything," he said. He said the level of support needed from government bodies was lacking.

Grennell plans to keep the bank account active so that more donations can be made and plans for next year have already begun in earnest. One component is the staging of a six-a-side football competition at the National Water Commission football field. Grennell also said he will be seeking a title sponsor for next year's staging of the 5K.

Persons interested in making donations can do so at the National Commercial Bank, Liguanea branch, account number 371072519.