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Photo by Noel Thompson - Baldwin Powell (centre), chairman of the western chapter of Food For The Poor, receives a cheque of J$1 million from Petronia Brooks, group financial controller at Couples Resorts, at its office on Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, last week. Looking on is Alexandra Ghisays (left), Couples group director of public relations.

Couples Resorts gives to FFP's Haiti initiative

Noel Thompson, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

Couples Resorts has joined the lists of donors to assist in the rebuilding process of earthquake-ravaged Haiti, by donating J$1 million to international charity organisation, Food For The Poor (FFP).

Last week, Couples Resorts' group financial director, Petronia Brooks, handed over the cheque to Baldwin Powell, FFP's chairman for western Jamaica Chapter, at the resort's office along Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay.

"We decided to donate the money because we want to assist Haiti. We chose Food For The Poor because they are doing an amazing job in Haiti and they have a stellar reputation. We know our money will be in good hands," said Couple Resorts group director of public relations, Alexandra Ghisays.

Ghisays says $400,000 of the amount donated was raised at Couples, recently held golf tournament in Ocho Rios. Couples matched that amount, while staff donated $200,000.

In his response, Baldwin Powell said his organisation was overwhelmed to be considered for such a gift. "The needs are very great in Haiti, and Food For The Poor has made themselves available to collect donations and distribute them.

"It is a very good endorsement on the credibility of the organisation. Because we know the needs are so great in Haiti, this will go a very far way in making some people's lives less miserable, as well as getting us a step closer in achieving our target," Powell said.

He said FFP was grateful for the clothing and other articles donated, but emphasised that they were no longer receiving clothing, and asked that canned foods, cash and medical supplies be donated at this time.

Meanwhile, FFP has revealed that over the past month, it has been able to provide relief to Haiti through the acquisition and delivery of more than 7,100 tons of food, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, building materials and other goods to support the victims of the January 12 earthquake.

"The 359 containers have provided life-saving goods to those suffering from the effects of the earthquake," the aid organisation said. "The people of Haiti have been provided with more than 20 million meals from the rice, beans, canned goods and water shipped into Haiti."

FFP said it was able to immediately respond to the needs of the Haitians because there were goods in the Port-au-Prince warehouse, containers already in the port, and more containers on the way when the earthquake hit.