This is the company’s first year of operation; it was incorporated on 21st December 2022. Its staff currently consists of two Directors who do not receive remuneration for their duties. Helping Hands Helping Lives CIC’s aims are to provide welfare, financial and educational support to Jamaican unemployed individuals and their families who have a viable business idea but are disadvantaged by poverty. These individuals are likely to have not completed their school education due to not having the fares to travel to school, lack of nutrition, clothing and footwear.

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Social media platforms have enabled us to promote our aims and raise funds but the success of this has been disadvantaged by the economic downturn the UK is experiencing and staff illness affected productivity which meant opportunities were missed to sell our merchandise tote bags and raffle items during Black History Month in October 2023.

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We successfully piloted our business in Portland, Jamaica during February to March 2023. Owners’ capital was used to buy a mobile phone to help a young lady improve her confectionery, snacks and household products business sales. Customers can now place their orders via phone for delivery. She is improving her business by creating her own healthy confectionery range which is a good use of the natural resources of peanuts, almonds, coconut and cocoa beans.

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For the next financial year there will be more variety in our fundraising initiatives and we hope to gain the support of more businesses, partnerships and individuals. We are fortunate and indebted to our volunteer worker located in Portland, Jamaica, a scientist who provides educational support for our service users. The directors had the privilege of seeing the creative art work business of Irie Arts (https://irieart.business.site) in November 2023, located in Negril which serves as an example of how innovation can make businesses stand out, be successful and provide employment.

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We are pleased to be able to report that whilst we still have challenges ahead, we were able to achieve the collective objective of helping others to help themselves. Our thanks to all those who made financial donations and donations of footwear, clothing and toiletries during this first year of operation.

 

 

Ann Persad

Director/Secretary

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