Nurse Joy Crooks (right) plays a game of dominoes with Frederick Kelly, a mentally challenged client of CUMI. - file

Western Bureau:

"We need $10 million and we need your help," appealed nurse Joy Crooks, administrator of the Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI), who is trying raise funds to sustain their programme for the mentally ill and homeless in St James.

In an attempt to achieve their goal, the non-government and non-profit organisation has organised an inaugural fund-raising, 'CUMI Come Run 10K' and jazz party, which will both take place on Saturday, September 26.

The funds are necessary, according to nurse Crooks, because it will "allow us to be able to pay the staff, utilities, to pay for the programme, equipment and tools while supporting individuals in various social needs".

The Montego Bay-based non-profit organisation has long been a pioneer in the social development of the mentally challenged and homeless residing within the parish of St James.

To date, more than 1,200 persons have benefited from the services of CUMI. of that number, 450 have completed the rehabilitation programme and have returned to their respective communities, where many are now employed.

Organisation credibility

As one of the founding members of CUMI, Crooks defended the credibility of the organisation by simply affirming that "The services that we provide here is about giving back to the community, focusing on persons who have fallen beneath the safety net. Everyone's support is important, from the corporate sponsors to ordinary individuals. organisations such as this cannot survive without the help of the community."

Persons who wish to make contributions may lodge funds to JMMB Smart Save account: JA account # 1204411 or US account # 01308109. Cheques may be written to Treasurer Jane Fray, P.O. Box 1751, Montego Bay P.O. 2, St James, Jamaica.

The 'CUMI Come Run' will see a 10K run and a 5K walk that will be hosted on the grounds of Tryall Golf Course in Hanover, while jazz lovers are encouraged to take on the Hip Strip, where the Blue Beat Jazz Lounge will host a jazz party that same night.

Persons wishing to participate may access registration forms at Goodfit and Gymkhana in Montego Bay; Shakti in Kingston, or call Biokinergo's Richard Deenah at (876) 979-8638 before September 26, as there will be no registration on the day of the event.

sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com