Sergeant Nathanael Scarlett, Alfred “Frano” Francis managing director of Running Events Jamaica, Diane Ellis director at Running Events Jamaica, Sergeant Paula-Ann Burton and Colonel the Honourable Errol Johnson participates in a cheque presentation at the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) Headquarters on Tuesday, January 30, 2019. The presentation was a $200,000 donation to the JCCF by Running Events Limited.
Running Events Jamaica has extended a helping hand to the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) through the donation of $200,000 in cash on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.
The donation will provide a well-needed boost to the development and expansion of the JCCF whose goal is to enroll at least 1,000 cadets by the end of the year and increase its membership by 10,000 cadets in three years.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Colonel the Honourable Errol Johnson noted that, “This afternoon wasn’t what we expected. When I met Mr Francis a year ago, the idea was to create an avenue to develop the publicity for the cadets. I see the partnership between Running Events Jamaica and the JCCF as one that will create a charitable event that is based on what we are learning here.” In thanking Running Events, Colonel Johnson posited, “We are prepared to partner with Running Events to help the less fortunate and fulfill their mandate.”
According to Alfred "Frano" Francis, managing director at Running Events Jamaica the partnership with the JCCF has been no less than inspiring.
“Coming here today is such a great reminder that it is the little things that we do that make the big impacts,” stated Francis.
“Some time ago we saw an article in the newspapers that the JCCF needed help and immediately we (Running Events) wrote to the editor to get in touch with someone from JCCF. I must say that this was one of the best decisions that we’ve ever made. We have worked with the JCCF for crowd control for road races, and we are happy to be extending the partnership.”
The JCCF is a youth movement with a difference. The difference being that it is a disciplined organization with a rank structure. Working within this environment the youths are given a feeling of stability and purpose. The training is based upon military skills but the aim is not to produce a highly trained soldier. The aim of all the training is carefully planned so that it appeals in the first place as a challenge; secondly it is designed to develop the powers of leadership and qualities of character valuable alike to the civilian and soldier.
In parting, Mr Francis assured the JCCF that the partnership does not end here.
“From today onward, we will continue to partner with you because we know that together we can contribute to the building of successful young men and women. I also hope that we will see an expansion in the number of cadets enrolled in the JCCF programme. We hope to see an upliftment in the profile of what the JCCF does and to ensure that their contribution to the wider society is seen.”
He encouraged the cadets to see themselves as the change, not just in their uniforms but in their mindset, and communities. “I hope that wherever you go, that you will be a beacon for inspiration to others.”
Running Events Jamaica is also looking to further deepen its ties with JCCF by contributing to the expansion of its musical arm.