Marva Bernard - file

Starting this Friday and ending on December 11, 2009, each time a new savings account is opened at the National Commercial Bank (NCB), the bank will donate $1000 to the Sunshine Girls/Jamaica Netball Association, as the netballers start looking forward to the world championships in 2011.

This promotion is being launched in support of the Sunshine Girls who recently acquitted themselves well against Australia and New Zealand, the two top teams in the world, during the NCB-sponsored Sunshine Series. The Jamaicans drew 1-1 with each team before large crowds at the National Indoor Sports Complex in October.

"The Sunshine Girls just completed a successful series against Australia and New Zealand and to stay on top of their game leading up to the World Championships, the girls will require financial support to play competitively both locally and abroad," said Kerine Hamilton, Marketing Manager of NCB Customer Services. "The initiative is to rally individuals and organisations to keep supporting the Jamaica Netball Association."

gain financial stability

In addition to the initiative, NCB will open accounts with $5000 for each member of the national team. The bank will also be providing the ladies and the JNA with financial advice that will help them gain financial stability.

President of the JNA Marva Bernard expressed gratitude to the bank for their continued support.

The total amount that NCB will donate to the Sunshine Girls over the period of the promotion is subject to a maximum of $250,000. Meanwhile, Hamilton urged individuals and organisations interested in making charitable donations to visit any NCB branch islandwide and deposit funds directly to the JNA's account that bears numbers 374123386 for Jamaican dollars and 376482286 for US dollars.

The announcements were made on the weekend when the bank feted the team at the NCB Wellness and Recreation Centre on Phoenix Avenue.

NCB will stage promotions at 42 locations islandwide and in the media in conjunction with the Jamaica Netball Association.