Girls and boys homes in Old Harbour benefit from RUBiS COVID-19 benevolence

With the objective of making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Santa Cruz Infirmary, with a total of 54 residents, was one of the stops on a recent islandwide tour by the company, geared towards tackling the negative effects of the global crisis.

“With this donation, it will go a long way in benefitting the residents of the home. Some of these items including, hand soap, surface cleaners and adult diapers are products we use on a daily basis and more so since COVID-19. We are very appreciative to RUBiS Energy Jamaica for making this timely donation,” Harding said.

RUBiS Energy Jamaica Limited, an international company specializing in the distribution and marketing of petroleum, lubricants and chemicals products, has made several product and service donations to different entities during the COVID -19 pandemic.

According to Donnovan Dobson, human resource manager at RUBiS, the company has made significant investments to protect their employees and therefore thought it necessary to extend this approach to the wider community that their employees serve.

“It is important to make the most of every opportunity, boosting your community involvement while finding all ways to take care of your employees and network,” Dobson said.

“As a vital part of your community, it's important to regularly show support for the residents and businesses that support you,” he added.

The Yadel Home for Girls, located in Bannister, Old Harbour, St Catherine was also another beneficiary of the efforts by RUBiS Energy Jamaica Limited. The facility, which started in 2001 as a project of The New Testament Church of God, under the Women's Ministries Department, was established to provide shelter and care for girls aged 10 through 18.

Although Yadel continues to be largely supported by the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica, there is a continual need for funding for food, utilities, schooling, medical and dental care, and to provide salaries for the caregivers.

Teres Bradford, residential house mother, said the girls at the facility were handling the impact of the pandemic quite well. “We really appreciate the kind gesture by RUBiS. The items that they have brought us will definitely help with the well-being of the girls,” Bradford said.

The boys at the Sunbeam Boys Home, have hearts just as big as their smiles and RUBiS Energy Jamaica Limited, also helped to ensure they also have hope to overcome their needs. There was an air of excitement among the young residents and staff at the facility situated along the Spring Village road near Gutters, St Catherine, as personal care packages were also donated to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

According to Dobson, sometimes giving back to the community is as simple as giving. “Even under the toughest economic circumstances, sharing something others could use, makes an immediate difference in others’ lives. Donating to your community is a warm way to give back to those who have helped support your business,” he said.

RUBiS Energy Jamaica Limited also presented items to the Bellevue Hospital in Kingston.  Among the items donated were bed pads, masks, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, adult diapers, sanitary napkins and surface cleaners.

A sizeable donation of 99.9 percent purity isopropyl alcohol was also made to the Ministry of Health and Wellness Foundation for use in nine hospitals to assist with sanitation activities. Additionally, the company continues to implement a significant number of processes, procedures and operational measures all across its network of service stations and business to protect staff and customers. Previously, RUBiS provided complementary Nescafé beverages in partnership with Nestle to show appreciation to the island’s frontline workers who visited select RUBiS service stations islandwide.