Approximately 180 students are set to benefit from academic grants from the Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk organised by MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operator of the Sangster International Airport (SIA).
At the awards and handover ceremony, which was hosted on the grounds of SIA, students from across western Jamaica proudly clad in uniforms were feted to an inspirational evening of activities and entertainment. The recipients ranged from the primary education level to those pursuing tertiary studies at both local and international universities.
Through their many sponsors, MBJ Airports was able to raise J$11 million during the third staging of the charity run/walk, held on September 11. This is a remarkable increase from the $4.5 million raised in 2022, when 50 students were direct recipients of academic grants.
An impressive 87 individuals and four community groups consisting of 90 youths are beneficiaries of this year’s grants.
For Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports, this initiative is a testament to the positive impact that can be made when corporate entities join hands and hearts to make a difference in the community.
“Two words stand out today – unity and purpose. Today we are here for this special award ceremony where we have a chance to contribute towards a brighter future and that is made possible through education and community support,” Munroe said during his address on Monday.
The CEO further underscored MBJ’s commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of students who need financial backing.
“MBJ is not just a gateway to Jamaica, our beautiful island, but also a cornerstone of this community. We believe that it is essential that we all thrive so we must ensure that the community develops and grows as well. This 5K/10K fund-raising event is a testament to our commitment and every step taken is a step towards a dream, a step towards an aspiration and a future leader,” he said.
Manager of commercial, business development & marketing at MBJ Airports Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt, was elated as she was greeted with the smiling faces of recipients and their parents during the ceremony. She reiterated MBJ’s drive to impact Jamaican youths through education – a pillar to success.
“We are excited to be here another year celebrating this event. MBJ celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and we have always had a commitment to education and as we grew over the years, that commitment has only grown and strengthened,” she said.
“We know people are in need and we are here to help to ensure that students are able to get the education that they require,” Hislop-Holt added.
Delivering an inspiring keynote address was the principal of St Mary’s Preparatory School, Dr Anthony Taylor, who emphasised to the recipients the importance of obtaining a solid education.
“I am imploring you to make the best of your education journey and at some stage in your life, relive the same kindness that would have been vested in you to someone else,” said Taylor.
“The grant is just telling you that someone believes in you. You have to show them that you believe in yourself and that you are going to be that beacon in your life so that someone can speak of your kindness 10 years from now,” he charged.
Taylor also commended the team at MBJ Airports Limited and their many valuable sponsors for organising this initiative to positively impact the lives of these youths.
“I want to commend the team who initiated this programme and I commend you because you are doing something good,” he said.
Before the evening was brought to an end, members of the Jackie Norman Youth Empowerment Programme’s (JNYEP) band brought the roof down with their rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers. They were also a recipient of the Inclusivity Grant during Monday’s ceremony.
Source: OUR Today – https://our.today/180-benefit-from-proceeds-of-team-sangster-charity-run-walk/
Jamaica Highlights 