Published:Thursday | July 21, 2016 | 12:00 AM

Contributed Professor Everard Barton (third right) is all smiles as he receives a cheque in the amount of $1 million to assist the UHWI Renal Foundation in its treatment objectives. Enjoying the moment are (from right) Sabrina Cooper of Sagicor Bank, which was one of the Gold Sponsors of the fundraising event; JMF Chairman Michael Fraser, who made the presentation; Cedric McDonald, JMF fundraising chairman; and former JMF Chairman Oliver Jones.

The Jamaica Medical Foundation (JMF), an outreach project of the Jamaican insurance industry, recently donated $1 million to the Renal Foundation of the University Hospital of the West Indies.

The donation took place during a presentation function held at the JMF’s office at Insurance House, 3-3A Richmond Avenue, Kingston 5.

According to a release from the JMF, the contribution resulted from a wine and cheese fundraiser, held at the Constant Spring Golf Club on May 8, 2016, which was well supported by several businesses and individuals.

$1 million donated last year

The JMF decided to hold the 2016 fundraising effort after a team from the foundation visited the Renal Unit of the UHWI, where $1 million was donated in 2015 following another JMF fundraising effort, and had a first-hand appreciation of the needs of the unit.

JMF Chairman Michael Fraser, on making the presentation to Professor Everard Barton, head of the UHWI Renal Foundation, remarked that the JMF is aware of the challenges that face patients who need dialysis treatment.

He said: “The JMF is delighted to be able to assist in the UHWI Renal Foundation’s quest to lighten the burden on patients who find it difficult to meet certain aspects of their treatment needs.”

Barton expressed his appreciation for the JMF’s outreach gesture.

He said the $1 million presented in 2015 was effectively utilised and this year’s contribution will certainly help the foundation to meet many of its objectives.

The presentation was attended by many of the sponsors of the 2016 fundraising and was chaired by Cedric McDonald, JMF fundraising chairman.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20160721/jmf-donates-another-1-million-renal-foundation-uhwi