Sagicor Jamaica Turns To Crowd Funding To Include Jamaican Diaspora In Its Charities

Untitled2 SAGICOR Sigma Corporate Run has introduced crowd funding in an effort to help raise funds for its 2015 charities—Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation and Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

“Jamaicans living at home have given our charities tremendous support through the years, and we are relying on their support for 2015 and beyond. However, crowd funding has expanded opportunities for Sigma Run to open an avenue for Jamaicans living all across the world to lend assistance to our child-based charities,” a company release quotes Ingrid Card, Sagicor’s vice-president of group marketing.

Crowd funding is basically a method used to raise money for projects or ventures from a large number of people donating small amounts of money, typically via the Internet.

Currently, pledges can be made to Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run using http://pitchandchoose.com/projects/2015-sagicor-sigma-corporate-run/.

Local donors may make Jamaican dollar cheques payable to Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run 2015 and deposit at any Sagicor Bank islandwide. In its 17-year history, the 5.5-kilometre road race has inspired individuals and groups to make donations in addition to registering for the run to further accumulate funds for its charities.

Last year, the run raised more than $21 million with a record number of over 22,000 participants. Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, which provides well-needed care for babies born ill or prematurely, is in dire need of assistance to purchase equipment for it to return to a functional state.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation needs further assistance for peritoneal dialysis treatment for children with mild to severe kidney disorders. Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run takes place this year on Sunday, February 22, with a target of $25 million. To date, approximately $146 million has been raised for myriad child care and health-related facilities. Funds raised are used to purchase well-needed equipment and services for the long-term maintenance of institutions. Registration closes on Friday, February 6, while outlets for donations will remain open until March 2015.

Source: Jamaica Observer

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