Former Miss Jamaica World, coach, mentor, volunteer and philanthropist Joan McDonald has been appointed the CCRP-Gallagher Wellness Ambassador.
This was announced by Saundra Bailey, Chief Operating Officer for Gallagher Caribbean Insurance Brokers on Friday, December 11, 2020.
As Wellness Ambassador, Ms McDonald will share information on the CCRP Comprehensive Group Health Plan designed by Gallagher and underwritten by Sagicor. She will also use digital and traditional media to engage members in discussions on wellness and lifestyle topics.
Ms. McDonald sees her new role as yet another opportunity to help others to “still live a wonderful life.” She notes that her work in a variety of fields in public service has enabled her to make connections between people, embracing “everything that has come my way.”
In August 2019, she was honoured with a Congressional proclamation from Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, at Jamaica’s 57th Annual Black-Tie Gala in New York.
Gallagher Chief Operating Officer Saundra Bailey said, “We believe Ms. McDonald’s appointment will strengthen our partnership with CCRP. We know she will serve as a truly gracious and supportive ambassador and facilitator, who will ensure that CCRP members appreciate all the tremendous benefits of the health plans available to them. This can only be a ‘win-win’ for both CCRP and Gallagher and we very much look forward to working withMs. McDonald.”
A long-serving volunteer with CCRP, Ms. McDonald was the first to win the Miss Jamaica World competition when it was officially established in 1978. At the time, she was a dance teacher at Wolmer’s Girls’ School.
She has established a successful career as an event planner and personal development coach, grooming contestants for Miss Jamaica World and Miss Jamaica Festival Queen and mentoring teen mothers. She has also worked as a
Branch Director with the Jamaica Red Cross, and with Citizens’ Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE). She is an active member of the Lions Club of Kingston.
Ms. McDonald is a Justice of the Peace, a trained facilitator for Restorative and Community Justice Practices, and a former director of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica.
“My life is a wonderful kaleidoscope,” smiles Ms. McDonald. She maintains a positive outlook on life despite its challenges, always seeking to “add value” in relationships and bring people together.
Gallagher has served the Caribbean for over 45 years, operating seven subsidiaries as the largest full-service broker in the region.
CCRP is a non-profit organization for persons 50 years and over, with a membership of over 10,000. It advocates for the empowerment, respect and protection of seniors. In addition to its Kingston head office, CCRP has three chapters in Central, Western, and Northeast Jamaica.
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