LASCO Financial Services gives $50,000 to Greater Change Foundation back-to-school drive

KINGSTON, Jamaica — LASCO Financial Services has contributed $50,000 to the Greater Change Foundation to help fund an approaching back-to-school programme for youngsters still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The gift is meant to ease their return to the classroom for the new term.

Samantha Fuller-Maragh, brand manager of card services at LASCO Financial Services, handed over the funds on Friday, July 17. The company framed the contribution as part of its continuing corporate social responsibility work with vulnerable communities islandwide.

The Greater Change Foundation, a registered non-profit marking its sixth anniversary this month, reports that it has reached more than 8,000 children through education, health, sports and youth development work.

Board Chairman Warren Bernard accepted the cheque for the foundation and said the timing is critical as the group gears up for its biggest outreach effort of the year.

“This donation will be more than impactful. Our focus this year is giving back to children who were affected by Hurricane Melissa. We’ve already completed major projects in Bucknor, Clarendon, and at the Chester Primary School, and now we’re preparing for our largest back-to-school initiative. This support from LASCO Financial Services will help us secure the school supplies and resources needed to ensure children can begin the new academic year despite the challenges many families continue to face,” Bernard said.

He added that numerous children are still displaced or wrestling with the storm’s emotional toll, so corporate backing remains essential.

Established in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation has become a national body backed by more than 350 corporate partners. Its programmes target underserved communities and open pathways for young people.

Donrick Dixon, Director of People & Culture at the foundation, praised the collaboration and urged other firms to put resources behind work that delivers lasting social benefit.

“Corporate social responsibility speaks volumes about an organisation’s commitment to the communities it serves. We are grateful to LASCO Financial Services for partnering with us as we continue creating lasting change across Jamaica. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us reach more children and provide them with opportunities to thrive,” Dixon said.

Fuller-Maragh said the company’s values favour backing groups that make a clear difference for Jamaican children.

“We believe that strong communities are built through meaningful partnerships and sustained investment in people. The Greater Change Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s children, and we are proud to support its back-to-school initiative. We hope this contribution helps equip students with the resources they need to begin the new school year with confidence and reinforces our commitment to creating positive change where it matters most,” she said.