Kingston, Jamaica, December 23, 2024 – The Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation recently completed its annual Christmas outreach, spreading joy and delivering much-needed care packages to approximately 1,000 senior citizens across several communities in Kingston and St. Catherine.
Between December 2 and 11, dedicated volunteers including over 100 GraceKennedy team members, distributed packages containing essential items to elderly residents in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine. The packages were generously sponsored by GK subsidiaries, including Grace Food Processors (Nalcan), Grace Food Processors (Meats), Dairy Industries Jamaica Ltd, Grace Foods & Services, World Brands Services, and Hi-Lo. This collaborative effort highlights the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and fostering a sense of community during the holiday season
Sandrina Davis, CEO of the Foundation said, “At Grace and Staff, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting our senior citizens. This annual Christmas outreach is a highlight for us, and we are incredibly grateful to our volunteers and partners who help us bring joy and essential support to so many deserving individuals during this special time of year.”
The Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation has been a cornerstone of support for many underserved communities over the years. This Christmas outreach is just one example of the foundation’s efforts to uplift lives and strengthen community bonds. The Foundation extends its gratitude to all volunteers and contributors who made this event a success.
The Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation is a partnership between GraceKennedy’s management and staff, which was established in 1979 to support the upliftment of vulnerable communities surrounding GK’s operations in downtown Kingston. Over the decades, the reach of Grace & Staff has expanded to also include other communities in close proximity to our facilities outside of Kingston. Grace & Staff provides support in the core areas of education, community outreach and development, and volunteerism.
Frank James, CEO, GK Foods-Domestic, chats with a resident of Majesty Gardens at the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s annual Christmas outreach activity in the community on December 2, 2024. The Foundation, known for its dedication to uplifting underserved communities, distributes care packages each Christmas to approximately 1,000 senior citizens in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine.
Grace Burnett (right), CEO, GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), greets a resident of Payne Avenue at the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s annual Christmas outreach activity in the community on Dec. 9, 2024. The Foundation, known for its dedication to uplifting underserved communities, distributes care packages each Christmas to approximately 1,000 senior citizens in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine.
Steven Whittingham (right), Deputy CEO, GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), presents a care package to a resident of Payne Avenue at the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s annual Christmas outreach activity in the community on Dec. 9, 2024. The Foundation, known for its dedication to uplifting underserved communities, distributes care packages each Christmas to approximately 1,000 senior citizens in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine
CEO of the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, Sandrina Davis, shares a moment with a resident of Majesty Gardens at the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s annual Christmas outreach activity in the community on December 2, 2024. The Foundation, known for its dedication to uplifting underserved communities, distributes care packages each Christmas to approximately 1,000 senior citizens in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine.
Robyn Wilson, Corporate Planner, GK Foods-Domestic, carries a care package at the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s annual Christmas outreach activity in the Majesty Gardens community on December 2, 2024. The Foundation, known for its dedication to uplifting underserved communities, distributes care packages each Christmas to approximately 1,000 senior citizens in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine.
GraceKennedy (GK) team members volunteer at the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation’s annual Christmas outreach activity in Spanish Town community on December 5, 2024. From L-R: Tara-Jhea Wright, Manager, Strategy & Business Intelligence, GKL; Sonia McPherson, Senior Business Analyst, GKL; Alex O’Gilvie, Manager, Treasury and Business Transformation, GKL; Annette Morrison, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, GKL; Gail Moss-Solomon, General Counsel & Chief Corporate Secretary, GKL; Andrew Leo-Rhynie, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, GKL; Jody Ann Barnett, Senior Business Intelligence Officer, GKL; and Asanja-Paige Williams, Business Intelligence Officer, GKL. The Foundation, known for its dedication to uplifting underserved communities, distributes care packages each Christmas to approximately 1,000 senior citizens in Central Kingston, Craig Town, Majesty Gardens, and Payne Avenue in Kingston, as well as Spanish Town in St. Catherine.
