Magna Motors Dealership Limited, the exclusive dealer of Hyundai in Jamaica has donated a US$10,000 cheque to the Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) to be used for the installation of a state-of-the-art wheelchair lift.
The wheelchair lift will create ease of access to the main conference room at JAID for students and parents who have physical and intellectual disabilities. The conference room is a primary location for examinations, Parent-Teachers’ Association meetings, other functions and activities. All 350 students who use the facilities have an intellectual disability, and approximately 10 per cent also have a physical disability.
The installation will be part of an overhaul of the main building at the Randolph Lopez School of Hope, 7 Golding Avenue, Kingston, one of five special education schools operated by JAID in Jamaica. It will bring the organization in line with the Disabilities Act of 2014, which makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica, and also seeks to ensure full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.
Today’s donation signifies the start of a partnership between the Hyundai exclusive dealer and JAID, which will encompass collaboration on activities and charitable events.
Juan Vargas, Managing Director, Magna Motors Dealership Ltd. said he is pleased with the partnership, as Hyundai is associated with a spectrum of charitable activities globally, and specifically with the community of persons with disabilities. “We are happy to be able to make this contribution which is of paramount importance to JAID. They expressed a need for help to make life easier for persons with physical disabilities at the Randolph Lopez School of Hope, and we are happy to respond to that need by providing financial assistance,” said Vargas.
Carlos Geourzoung, Sales Manager, Magna Motors Dealership Ltd. echoed similar sentiments. “Hyundai prides itself on being involved with our community, and the Jamaican team is proud to be aligned with JAID and its exceptional cause. We look forward to a rewarding partnership and to working with their team to enhance and develop the institution’s facilities.”
Sonia Jackson, President, JAID said the organization has limited resources, both human and financial. As such they have entered into partnership arrangements that have allowed them to fill many of the gaps. “We are enthused to be entering into a new and exciting partnership with Magna Motors Dealership Ltd. We trust that this relationship will be a long lasting one," said Jackson.
JAID is an NGO and a registered charitable institution that operates five special education schools, inclusive of the Randolph Lopez School of Hope, Kingston; Windsor School of Special Education, Spanish Town, St. Catherine; Woodlawn School of Special Education, Mandeville, Manchester; Llandilo School of Special Education: Savanna la Mar, Westmoreland, and Edgehill School of Special Education: St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann.
