Humanitarian Earl Jarrett, the 23rd inductee to The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame and general manager of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), has challenged others to join him in his support of the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and the St. John Ambulance (SJA).

The challenge was delivered via "pledge cards," to approximately 500 guests at the gala induction ceremony, which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on October 28.

Declaring his own commitment to "continue his support to the JCS and the SJA," Mr Jarrett invited guests to join him by contributing to the work of the non-profit organisations.   They responded to the challenge, turning in pledges valued at more than J$1 million.

The JNBS general manager has been Chairman of the JCS since 1986; and, a member of the Order of St John from 2008. 

During his tenure as Chairman, the JCS, currently commemorating "Breast Cancer Awareness Month," has expanded its education programmes, emphasising "early detection" for breast and prostate cancers, And, the organisation consolidated its outreach with the acquisition of a mobile mammography machine, which facilitated screening of some 1,718 women, achieving a total of some 8,930 during the past year.

"Relay for Life," is the Cancer Society's signature annual fundraising event; and, the JCS also provides financial assistance to its most vulnerable customers, so that they can access diagnostic checks, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

The work of the Order of St. John focuses on improving health in the most vulnerable communities, affected by natural disaster; and, St. John also provides first aid and disaster preparedness training, nursing care and ambulance services to sundry organisations in the public and private sectors.

Representatives of both organisations indicated that they will follow up with the donors who signed the pledge cards at the PSOJ function.   Members of the public can also contribute to the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society and St John’s Ambulance by donating to the JCS at the JN Account #10229298; and, the SJA at the JN Account RSV #2094218687.