TORONTO—Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) founding board member Denise Jones passed away recently after a battle with cancer and foundation has decided to dedicate the funds raised during their Lend a Helping Hand capital campaign to build the Goodwill Early Childhood Learning Center in Portland, Jamaica, where Jones grew up, in her memory.
Jones was instrumental in the development of the HHJF and served on the board for almost 15 years, supporting the children of Jamaica by providing much needed access to education in the most vulnerable communities.
The foundation’s Lend a Helping Hand capital campaign launched on Dec 14 and aims to raise funds for the building of the Goodwill Early Childhood Learning Center, the 24th school the foundation will build in Jamaica. Once complete the centre will create a lasting and meaningful legacy of Jones, where she grew up and carry on her vision of eliminating the barriers to education for children, indicates a release.
The campaign will also fill a sizeable fundraising void created by COVID-19. The reality of the pandemic has forced the HHJF to cancel their largest annual fundraising gala that was embarking on its 15th year, adds the release. The goal of the capital campaign is to raise the remaining $100,000 needed by Jan. 14, 2021 in order to build the school.
“She was one of our most dedicated champions and a pillar of strength and guidance for so many of us. Denise leaves us with a legacy of giving and caring, we will move that forward through each nail we hammer and every brush stroke we paint,” said Karl Hale, HHJF founder and co-chair, in a statement. “We hope the community will unite with us and help raise funds to make this school build in her honour become a reality.”
The HHJF is currently accepting donations at Donate — Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.
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