TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY DIGICEL has bumped up its support of the Hope Foundation, the organization which has been driving local awareness of lupus.
Following their annual Walk for Lupus on Sunday, August 31st, the Foundation received the surprising, but very welcome news that Digicel had decided to more than double their financial support, now pledging BDS$10 000 in an effort to assist the organization with its various programmes.
Chief executive officer of Digicel (Barbados) Limited, Mark Linehan, commented on the decision to increase the company’s support:
“The Hope Foundation does tremendous work not only in raising awareness for lupus but also sickle cell disease and arthritis.
“Given Barbados is rated second in the world in terms of the percentage of the population with lupus and that the number of persons being diagnosed with lupus is increasing each year it is important now more than ever to ensure that the Hope Foundation continues with its work of raising awareness of the disease while supporting those among us who are suffering from it I would like to congratulate Shelley Weir and her team for the great work they are doing at the Hope Foundation.”
In accepting the donation, president of the Foundation, Shelley Weir, thanked Digicel for their increased contribution and continued support:
“It is not normal for me to be at a loss for words but this increased contribution has left me dumbfounded. Since 2006 Digicel has been a constant and dependable partner of the Foundation which in a lot of ways have given us the confidence to proceed with some of our programmes.”
“In this economic climate the level of support though unexpected is undoubtedly welcomed. We not only thank Digicel for their financial support but equally that the team took the time to participate in our Walk for Lupus in large numbers to further demonstrate the meaning of partnership. We eagerly look forward to this continued relationship”, Weir concluded.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs. (PR)
