Dunbeholden secures $100k in charity kick-out

KINGSTON:

With a little help from NCB Foundation, the Dunbeholden Football Club in St Catherine has secured $100,000 to grant a wish for elders in their community this Christmas.

The Grant A Wish donation will fund an annual Christmas treat for seniors in the community – an annual undertaking by the Dunbeholden Football Club in partnership with the Star Church of God in Dunbeholden.

“Football is bigger than the matches we play – it’s about the connections we create and the lives we touch off the field,” said Roger Simmonds, Dunbeholden FC manager. “Working with NCB Foundation’s Grant A Wish initiative is an incredible opportunity because it allows us to extend the spirit of teamwork beyond our players and fans to the community at large.”

He added, “Sports, like football, have the power to change lives, and today, we’ve proven that by securing the funding to make the season a little brighter for our elders in the community.”

A fun penalty shoot-out at the Dunbeholden FC training facility set the stage for an exhilarating challenge. For every goal scored in a penalty shoot-out against NCB Portmore Branch Manager, Joycelyn Rowe, $10,000 was pledged toward the donation. True to their reputation, the players rose to the occasion, showing skill and determination that secured the full $100,000 for the cause.

Still catching her breath after the event, Rowe reflected: “Standing in goal today, I felt the power of the community. NCB is deeply committed to making a difference, and initiatives like this remind us of what we can achieve together. To see the passion from the players and know that each kick would bring joy to our elders this Christmas – it’s indescribable. This is what we mean when we talk about granting wishes: turning small actions into big impact for those who need it most.”

Dunbeholden FC is also sponsored by National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited as part of this year’s Jamaica Premier League.

Patricia Logan, secretary at the Star Church of God, shared heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the community: “This donation will help us do great things for our elders this holiday season. Many of them feel forgotten, especially during the holidays, but thanks to NCB and Dunbeholden FC, this Christmas will be filled with laughter, warmth, and the kind of memories that remind us of the goodness in the world. NCB continues to make a tangible impact in the lives of those who need it most. It is truly inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity.”

NCB’s Grant A Wish programme encourages individuals across the nation to nominate and vote for people or registered organisations that demonstrate extraordinary grit in the face of challenges. Voting for Grant A Wish nominations close on December 13, 2024.