HE organisers of this year’s Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run surpassed their fund-raising target, netting a record-breaking $55,301,419 for the run’s three beneficiaries — Bustamante Hospital for Children, Savanna-la-Mar Hospital and Clifton Boys’ Home.

The announcement was made yesterday by president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, Christopher Zacca, in his address at the starting line of the race in New Kingston.

A release from the group said the sum was achieved through registration of 26,014 participants, sponsorship from 38 companies, donations from the public, and fund-raising activities at Sagicor offices leading up to yesterday’s event. With the latest amount raised in its 22nd year, the annual Sigma Corporate Run has managed to raise more than $455 million for various child-related and health charities.

“We are so excited to announce that we have once again broken the record with the funds we were able to raise for our beneficiaries. Giving back and supporting our communities is at the core of what Sagicor does, and we are always happy for the support we get each year to make this happen,” Zacca said.

The Sagicor Group Jamaica president expressed his gratitude to the participants, corporate companies, sponsors, partners, donors, and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event. He further thanked the patrons of the event – actor and comedian Ian “Ity” Ellis, and fitness instructor and motivational speaker Shani McGraham Shirley. Zacca also hailed the Sagicor team and hundreds of volunteers.

“Without your support, Sigma Run 2020 would not have been the success we see here this (yesterday) morning. Because of you, we are able to assist our nation’s most vulnerable individuals and build the capacity of our health sector,” he added.

The release said the funds will be used to procure much-needed life-saving equipment for the health care institutions, as well as assist in the rebuilding and outfitting of Clifton Boys’ Home, which was destroyed by fire in 2017.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/record-breaking-sigma-run-organisers-surpass-55-m-fund-raising-target_187339