76-year-old gets new start through ‘Boom with love’
Published:Saturday | March 23, 2024 | 12:08 AMKeisha Hill/ Senior Gleaner Writer
The living conditions of 76-year-old Joseph Betty have been improved, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the ‘Boom with Love’ campaign by Boom Energy Drink, and the ‘Build back the Love for Jamaica’ campaign, spearheaded by the charity organisation Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica.
FFP continues its tradition of aiding underprivileged Jamaicans, while Boom Energy Drink has pledged to sponsor the construction of 10 homes for those in need. This sponsorship marks a total of 30 houses sponsored since 2020. Betty’s home is the second of the 10 homes that Boom Energy Drink has committed to building.
Around a decade ago, Betty was diagnosed with diabetes, prompting him to cease working because of additional complications from hypertension. He now manages both conditions with medication and undergoes regular check-ups at the Diabetes Association clinic, every three months.
Tragically, Betty experienced a fire incident on May 19, 2023. The dwelling he owned, a seven-room house, was engulfed in flames, affecting four occupants. They lost everything in the fire, including important identification documents. Initially, Betty stayed with neighbours in a small room at the back. However, he had to relocate to facilitate the demolition and reconstruction of that space. As a result, Betty moved back into one of the burnt-out rooms of the house.
Karen Baugh, group marketing manager at Wisynco, said they were happy to be able to give Betty a new start. “Our mission statement is improving the lives of our people and we believe that this project here today with Food For The Poor will help Mr Betty to restart his life. Our efforts here today is proof that we can help each other and work together for better,” Baugh told GoodHeart.
According to Marsha Rose, development and marketing manager at FFP, it is important to build back the love in Jamaica.
“This is what we do. We help to build not just the structure, but also the foundation. Foundation means we will not leave Mr Betty, but ensure that his needs can be taken care of,” Rose said.
Through its collaboration with donors from across the diaspora and Jamaica, FFP has constructed approximately 37,000 homes and contributed to the construction of more than 300 schools in Jamaica since its inception in 1983.
The latest campaign seeks to improve socio-economic circumstances of the less fortunate by providing them with shelter and a way to become self-sufficient through income-generating projects, while also contributing to the development of a more sustainable nation.
The FFP seeks to attract, as part of this campaign, a minimum of 400,000 global donors, including churches, businesses, and private citizens, to donate J$1,000, US$10, CDN$10 or £10 each to help to provide aid.
An elated Betty was grateful for the support he received from FFP and Boom Energy Drink. “They have done a wonderful job. I feel good; like I am on top of the world. Thank you so much for your help,” he said.