The Urban Development Corporation (UDC), on Thursday, July 19, 2018 hosted 148 children and 20 caregivers as a mark of its continued commitment to the fulfilment of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at ‘UDC Summer Fun’ held at Fort Clarence Beach in Hellshire St. Catherine.
UDC Summer Fun which forms part of the Corporation’s 50 th anniversary celebrations is the product of the rebranded decades- old Hellshire Summer Fun Event. The outreach effort was extended to children living in select childcare and protective institutions in and around the corporate area. According to Lorna Clarke, Director of Corporate Communications at the UDC, “the event is premised on the notion of creating an atmosphere where youngsters belonging to childcare and protective institutions can feel loved, valued and appreciated.”
The day’s activities which got on the way at 9:00 am, hosted children from institutions such as Jerusalem Children’s Home, National Children’s Home, My Father’s House, Reddies Place of Safety and Maxfield Park Children’s Home who were treated to a day filled with rides, food, music and excitement.
Ms. Clarke in providing further insights into what the event offered noted that the Corporation, in an effort to make an even greater impact on the youngsters also included a mentorship and motivational component which was ably delivered by Mr. Marlon Mendez Civil and Structural Engineer at UDC. She remarked, “UDC is all about development, both as it pertains to Jamaica’s infrastructure and its people; aside from the goodies and excitement, we wanted to leave a more lasting impact in the area of self-development and we truly believe we delivered on that.”
Evelyn Gordon, Caregiver at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home made clear her endorsement of the event “this is a wonderful gesture by the UDC which the children look forward to as this is an opportunity they would not normally have [they loved the zoo animals].” She continued we the caregivers also felt appreciated as with the volunteers present we received much needed help with the children; thank you so much UDC”, she remarked.
Meanwhile, Philistina Henry, Senior Executive Secretary and 22 year veteran of the Corporation, reflected on the personal impact of the event, “it gave me the impetus to ensure I continually participate in similar activities. It was refreshing to my spirit to interact with them and observe the smiles on their faces”.
The event came to a close at 3:00 pm and was made possible through sponsorship provided by Jamaica Biscuit Company, Jamaica Producers, Pure National Ice, Hope Zoo, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and Caymanas Development Company.
For further information, please contact
The Corporate Relations and Marketing Department
Urban Development Corporation
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 656-8031
Email cr@udcja.com
July 26, 2018