JIS Team Visits Mount Olivet Boys’ Home for Annual Christmas Luncheon

The Mount Olivet Boys’ Home welcomed Jamaica Information Service (JIS) team members on Saturday, December 2, for their annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony.

This was the ninth such visit since the agency adopted the Home located in Walderston, Manchester, in 2009.

For Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JIS, Mrs. Donna-Marie Rowe, who was part of the visiting team, the agency’s investment in time and attention is bearing fruit.

“My team is dedicated to the Boys’ Home. Their volunteerism is remarkable. We salute the sponsors, who continue to provide support, and commend the management of Mt. Olivet for their care.

We believe the young men will grow up to be assets to society,” Mrs. Rowe said.

The CEO announced that a new project is to be launched – the Mt. Olivet Boys’ Home Camera Club – through which the boys will be taught photography skills by JIS professionals.

Patrick Newman, Director of the Home, which is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, welcomed the announcement and pointed out that the love and dedication by the JIS team is evident and appreciated.

“This is genuine. I can feel it – the love and the joy that the team brings to the boys, and the smiles that you put on their faces; it’s just awesome,” he said.

This sentiment was echoed by Public Relations and Marketing Manager at JIS, Andrea Braham. “It was a good experience. The boys seemed genuinely happy to see the JIS team. It felt like a family,” Miss Braham said.

The JIS team participated in singing, dancing, gift giving, presenting awards, the anniversary celebration and having the meal with the boys.

Local manufacturer, Lasco Foods, is among the long-standing sponsors of the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home.

Marketing Assistant of Lasco Foods, Shawn Walker Bennett, in explaining the reason the company maintains the relationship with JIS and the Home, noted that “it’s a worthy cause… and we always try to help persons who are in need”.

Other sponsors included Rainforest Seafood, Caribbean Broilers, JP Tropical Foods, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, and staff members of the JIS.

Also visiting the boys were members of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew.