Kingston, Jamaica, April 14, 2020 - Since COVID-19 landed on our shores, staying home is now the best way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Grocery shopping is a top priority, however, that can be challenging for the elderly since special quarantine restrictions are enforced to further protect this vulnerable group. With their movements restricted, Magna Motors - the exclusive distributors of Hyundai vehicles in Jamaica - donated and delivered care packages to more than 200 senior citizens islandwide.
Among the beneficiaries are residents of the Denham Town Golden Age Home. Catering to 54 senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 90, Jacinth Bonner, administrator for the home, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She noted, "It is more difficult for us to get food supplies with these new restrictions, so providing and delivering these groceries and other essential items really makes it more convenient for us. It will be added to our existing supplies and provide more meals for our residents."
The packages contain essential food supplies including water, rice and flour as well as personal hygiene items such as hand soap, hand sanitizers and bleach. Curphy Home, Manchester Infirmary and St. James Infirmary are other homes that will benefit.
The National Council for Senior Citizens also received essential items. Cassandra Morrison, Executive Director, noted, "Combating the spread of the virus requires team effort, so we are very thankful for this donation. The essential items will be used to create packages for more than 50 elderly shut-ins across Kingston."
The elderly are considered vulnerable to COVID-19 because they have a lower immune system. As such, they are at a higher risk of being infected and developing complications due to underlying issues.
Etmour Williams, Marketing Manager, Magna Motors, said, "For our fifth anniversary, we want to serve Jamaicans in a tangible and useful way. As we take the necessary precautions to take care of ourselves, we must also serve the needs of others. Through this time of uncertainty, it is important that we stay informed and work together to come out stronger and more united."
(L - R) Cassandra Morrison, Executive Director of the National Senior Citizens Council, receives groceries and essential items from Etmour Williams, Marketing Manager of Magna Motors Dealership Limited.
While practising social distancing, Cassandra Morrison, Executive Director at the National Senior Citizens Council shows appreciation to Etmour Williams, Marketing Manager at Magna Motors Dealership Limited, for their donation of groceries and other essential items. Morrison noted, "Combating the spread of the virus requires team effort, so we are very thankful for this donation."
(L - R) Etmour Williams, Marketing Manager at Magna Motors Dealership Limited, presents essential items to Jacinth Bonner, Administrator at the Denham Town Golden Age Home. She said, "It is more difficult for us to get food supplies with these new restrictions, so providing and delivering these groceries and other essential items really makes it more convenient for us. It will be added to our existing supplies and provide more meals for our residents."