Massy Stores donates $30,000 to health causes

December 3, 2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic Massy Stores remained steadfast in its commitment to undertaking annual promotional campaigns in support of Cancer and Diabetes months (observed every year in October and November respectively).

In October, the company rolled out its 2020 Breast Cancer Campaign with two components. Customers were invited to donate to Faces of Cancer at any Massy Stores cash register starting at $1.00 up to $200. Faces of Cancer is a non-governmental organization that offers emotional support and limited financial assistance to cancer patients; and works to increase cancer awareness through education and free cancer screenings. The other component saw the sale of the company’s new edition Massy Stores Breast Cancer reusable bags. One dollar ($1.00) from the sale of every pink bag sold was donated to the cause. The Breast Cancer campaign spanned a six-week period and was very successful. The total funds collected through the two cancer activities was EC $26, 800.

In November a two-week diabetes awareness campaign was launched with the supermarkets supporting various activities organized by the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association, including Dress in Blue Fridays and Crazy Socks for Diabetes Day. As customers shopped on those days, they were invited to make donations towards the work of the Diabetes Association.  Pharmacy customers received discounts on select prescriptions while donations were solicited from Massy staff and customers at the cash register over the two-week period. The total collected was $3,777.

Representatives of Faces of Cancer and the St. Lucia Diabetes Association received cheques from the supermarket retailer on December 3^rd during a short presentation witnessed by customers and staff.

Faces of Cancer Representative, Ms. Patricia Anne Mitchell, thanked Massy Stores for its assistance.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the Massy Group of Companies for this kind donation,” she said. “It will definitely go a long way because we take care of those persons who come to us whether it be for a mammogram or to sponsor a trip to Martinique for further medical assistance. Thank you, Massy Stores, we deeply appreciate it.”

For his part Chairman of the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association, Mr. Ricky La Force, commended Massy Stores for always being ready and willing to assist their cause.

“Whenever we call on Massy Stores, they reach out and we are grateful,” he said. “We look forward to our partnership growing a lot stronger.”

The SLDHA said some of the funds will be used to buy electronic devices to monitor blood levels of children living with diabetes.

Divisional Head for Corporate Communications and Marketing, Mrs. Sariah Best-Joseph acknowledged the contributions of both staff and customers towards the success of the campaigns, totaling $30,000 following the two successful campaigns which promoted healthy lifestyles and increase public consciousness of the two non-communicable diseases.