Gleaner boss encourages companies to give generously to the poor

Gleaner Company Managing Director Christopher Barnes has described one aspect of a recent tour of The Salvation Army's properties as tear-jerking.

During the tour, Barnes said he took specific notice of a group of children outside on a bright, sunny day playing an intense game of cricket.

What held him captivated? They were blind. Guided only by a special cricket ball with bells inside.

"They played so naturally. Running, fielding and even throwing towards the stumps. Unperturbed by their obvious disability," Barnes noted.

"This is a characteristic of resilience, which shows up strong not just for these kids but for Jamaicans on a whole when faced with adversity. They just need a chance."

Speaking at the Salvation Army Advisory Board Eastern Jamaica Divisional Annual Dinner at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday night, Barnes noted that this was just one of the many examples of how The Salvation Army has affected the lives of so many over the years.

urged to provide resources

He urged Jamaicans to continue to provide the charity organisation with much-needed resources so that it can continue its "good work on our behalf".

Said he: "It is for the poor, it is for the needy, but it is also for us."

Barnes encouraged corporate Jamaica to practise corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a duty for the betterment of the nation. He noted that corporate outreach should not be an option, but a major part of a company's activities as any other function of that business.

"CSR is a long-term investment, which builds reputation and brand and indirectly sustains a market, it must be recession proof and cannot be subject to the popular budgeting on/off switch," Barnes said. "Even as business owners cut their spend on outreach, they must be aware that they are cutting their prospects for not only possible business success, but also for improving the quality of their own lives, and the lives of their children."

The media boss noted that The Gleaner invests heavily in CSR activities with a multifaceted approach, allocating tens of millions of dollars annually in support of charitable organisations, education, information, community development, health and wellness programmes and environmental management efforts.

dynamics of responsibility

"We have also made the conscious choice to remain in an inner-city area where we provide employment for persons living in the surrounding communities and become further involved in their community-building activities. We understand the dynamics of the responsibility to our people and the environment, which is an important part of our activities at The Gleaner," said the managing director.

After pointing out that The Gleaner is just one of many organisations seriously committed to the business of giving back. He said The Salvation Army was one of the most efficient distribution channels for companies to use in getting to those in need. They seek out those most in need of help and have the tools, resources and necessary contacts to get it done, which is their core expertise. They efficiently allocate the scarce resources companies have for outreach.

"Charity organisations are essential to our own organisations and where possible we must take advantage of them," he said.

He said whether it was through the eyes of successful capitalist Andrew Carnegie or through the guidance of the Holy Bible, the recommendation was for everyone to care for the poor and needy and see it not just as a recommendation but an obligation. Inherit in everyone's outlook must be a concern for the less fortunate, he added.

"The poor and the destitute are not burdens, but rather untapped natural resources that we must help to expose and develop for them and for ourselves," Barnes stated.

Several items were up for bid during the silent auction at the banquet, including gift certificates, paintings, books, weekend for two and BlackBerry smartphones.