Chamber of Commerce Head Urges Volunteerism

President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), Milton Samuda, is encouraging Jamaicans to engage in a spirit of volunteerism critical to nation building.
“Volunteerism is dying in Jamaica, and we hope shortly to unfold a campaign which will promote it, but we encourage you to encourage others who are connected with you to volunteer and to give of time and effort in the support of good causes,” he said.
Mr. Samuda was speaking at the launch of the ‘Save an Eye, Save the Jamaica Society for the Blind’ fundraising initiative, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Lions Centre for Students with Special Needs in Kingston, on Thursday (June 10).
“We tend in Jamaica to think of sponsorship in terms of dollars, or in terms of kind. The truth of the matter is that each of us can sponsor by giving time, effort and energy,” he said.
He noted that it is the duty of all to ensure that every single Jamaican fulfills his or her productive potential, adding that this is the reason why the JCC is involved in the initiative.
Co-ordinator/Head of the Centre for Disability Studies, Floyd Morris, also encouraged persons to give continued support to individuals at the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB). He noted that the issue of volunteerism is important, giving as an example the need for “readers” to assist individuals at the JSB.
The ‘Save an Eye, Save the Jamaica Society for the Blind’ initiative will focus on selling paraphernalia, such as arm bands, key rings and whistles to members of the public, particularly through schools. The arm bands will be sold for $70 while the key rings and whistles will cost $150.
The JSB, which was established in 1954 focuses on helping visually impaired and challenged persons to adjust to their condition and lead productive lives.