Corporate Responsibility

Cari-Med Gives Back

At Cari-Med we believe that Jamaica can achieve sustainable economic and social development by investing in youth and communities. This is evidenced by the projects we support. Cari-Med’s philanthropic activities are channeled through the Cari-Med & Kirk Distributors Foundation which was established in 2007 to support projects primarily in the Jamaican early childhood education and health sectors. The Foundation is funded jointly by Cari-Med Ltd. and our sister company Kirk Distributors Limited.

Major Ongoing Projects:

Education

The Evelyn Mitchell Infant School/Centre of Excellence
The Evelyn Mitchell Infant School/ Centre of Excellence in Clarendon was built by Cari-Med Limited in 2010, to replace the old Top Hill Basic School. The new facility was named in honour of the late Evelyn Mitchell, mother of Cari-Med’s founder and CEO, Mr. Glen Christian. The 7,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility, boasts 3 classrooms, 6 bathrooms, a fully functional kitchen and eating area, an auditorium, a library, and administrative offices.

The construction of the new facility was the first major infrastructural project of the Cari-Med Foundation, and represents an investment of over J$70M.

Burke’s Basic School
Burke’s Basic School in the Swallowfield community of St. Andrew, was adopted by Cari-Med in 2005. The company’s ongoing support includes:

  • Mentoring of students by Cari-Med staff
  • Maintenance of the school’s computer facilities
  • Award of annual grants
  • Staging of an annual Christmas treat

The Union Gardens Foundation Infant School
The largest project identified by the Foundation in 2014 is the Union Gardens Infant School, which is currently under construction, with a projected completion date of August 2015, in time for the new school year in September. This 9,450 sq. ft. facility will serve 150 students aged 3 to 5 years. It is being built to global standards for early childhood education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC). When completed, it will be handed over to the Ministry of Education.

Health

Port Antonio Infirmary, Portland. Our activities include:

  • Staging an annual Christmas treat
  • Donations of equipment and supplies

Hope Institute, St. Andrew. Our activities include:

  • Upgrading of part of the physical plant in 2010
  • Refurbishing of a private wing of the facility
  • Donation of an air conditioning unit and refrigerator

The National Chest Hospital, the University Hospital of the West Indies, the Bustamante Hospital for Children, and the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, are among the many other institutions that have benefited in some way from Cari-Med’s philanthropy. The company is also a regular sponsor of sporting events.