Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) was recently one of four charities to receive $500,000 from the Kingston City Run.

The event, organised by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) last month, saw a huge turnout of both local and international participants and brought in some $2 million. This was divided among four charities. Also benefiting were the Open Arms Drop-in Centre, the Marie Atkins Night Shelter, and Missionaries of the Poor.

Andrew Mahfood, chairman of FFPJ, expressed appreciation for the generous gift. Mahfood said the much-needed funds would be immediately used to provide additional space to house the homeless. "We plan to use these funds towardsexpanding existing housing facilities being operated by other entities. FFP has been supporting homeless shelters for many years and would like to further increase this assistance," he said.

expansion plans

Mahfood explained that the expansion plans had been under discussion for some time and would now be possible. "We look forward to having the generous, hardworking Kingston City Run Committee tour the facilities as soon as this is completed," he added.

In recognition of Jamaica's 50th year and the 140th anniversary of the City of Kingston, the JHTA focused the 2013 Kingston City Run on providing sustainable support for the growing homeless population of Kingston and Jamaica.

The run took place on March 10, and that weekend also included a welcome carnival party, a health fair and expo as well as a pre-race warm-up session at The Pegasus hotel.

The JHTA - Kingston Chapter consists of hotels, attractions, transportation partners as well as product suppliers to the industry. This diverse group of organisations has a strong belief in the potential of Destination Kingston, known as the sports, entertainment, and cultural capital of the Caribbean.