Janet Richards’ yearly back-to-school donation not deterred by health scare
Published:Monday | August 25, 2025 | 12:06 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Despite a brief health scare earlier this year, philanthropist Janet Richards did not allow that potential hurdle to stop her yearly drive to provide back-to-school necessities for children in St James, which she did this year at the Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge in Montego Bay on August 15.
Through the Janet Richards Foundation, of which she is the founder, Richards presented school bags, textbooks vouchers, and other school supplies to 52 students from across St James during Friday’s function, an occasion she said was only possible thanks to generous donations from like-minded friends.
“In January, I did not know where I stand where health is concerned; not that I was sick, but I was not sure if I would be here today. As a result, when I look at what I am saying now, I can only say, ‘To God be the glory’, although, because I was ill in January, I did not get to do my fundraiser which I normally do in January,” Richards said regarding her health concerns.
“I did not know what position I was in until mid-February when the doctor gave me clearance. I needed money to do this work, and I said, ‘Lord, how can I do this?’” Richards continued. “Then I called a few of my friends, plus a few of them called me, and they said, ‘Janet, I’m sending something for you’, and I added it all up and put it all together. I want to say thank you to everybody who helped me to make a difference, to make this difference.”
Richards also paid tribute to her late mother, Joyce Ennis, who she credited as the inspiration for the Janet Richards Foundation’s creation in 2019, to assist children in state care, needy children, and the physically challenged in St James and Hanover.
“When I was a little girl, I remembered my mother being in church, and she was in charge of her Sunday School, and she loved her Sunday School. She would say, ‘Buy some books and pencils for the kids at the Sunday School’,” Richards recalled. “She is now gone out of our lives, but I live her memories, and this is why I do this treat every year, especially for my church back in Kendal, Hanover, and I want to give God all the glory for it.”
Richards’ friends and associates who helped to secure Friday’s back-to-school items included Willie Johnson, founder of the Florida-based Kids of the Kingdom international ministry, who expressed pleasure at being able to personally witness Friday’s presentation.
“I have to be honest, today [August 15] was really outstanding, and it is such a blessing to be able to give back to others, especially our children. We are so able to be able to give back to Janet and to contribute to what you guys are doing here in Jamaica, because it is a special place to come to, and we love you all, and we are so proud of what you are doing here in Jamaica,” said Johnson, who attended the function with his wife Eugena Watson-Johnson.
The presentation was part of efforts to provide school supplies to a total of 94 students in St James between July and August to date, as well as 35 others from Hanover who are soon to benefit from a similar presentation of back-to-school items.