Christmas has come early for this family of four

For many years, Marubeni Power International (Marubeni), has been actively engaged in philanthropy, giving back to Jamaicans.

As one of the major shareholders of Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Marubeni actively focuses on business growth but also demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Recently, Marubeni, in collaboration with Food for the Poor Jamaica, constructed a home for a family of four and later presented the keys of the Linstead home to its owner, Mavadeen Aldred, a mother of three.

The Marubeni team, Damian Obiglio, Keisuke Harada, and Takuya Kokawa were present for the handing-over ceremony and were also present for the charitable offering.

Aldred, who now has a structure to define her path to end decades of instability, uncertainty, and woe, has seen and endured much hardship.

In 2011, Aldred moved into a one-room building belonging to her grandmother; it was later demolished due to safety concerns.

The years between that tragic situation and her next moves were hazy. But, in 2021, Aldred and her mother moved to Bongo Town, Victoria in Linstead, St Catherine, into a house owned by a caring friend.

It had a deteriorating ceiling which leaked whenever it rained and posed ongoing difficulties for the family of five, who are striving for stability and safety.

This partnership highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in helping many in vulnerable situations.

The project is part of FFPJ's ‘Build Back the Love’ initiative that focuses on building homes for those in need, emphasizing community support and resilience.

Damian Obiglio, senior vice president, of Marubeni Power International Inc., agrees that Marubeni and the FFPJ values are synonymous.

‘We have been collaborating with Food for The Poor Jamaica because we see the excellent work they have been doing over several decades. Their values align with the Marubeni creed of fairness, innovation, and harmony,’ he shared in a statement.

He continued: ‘When it comes to harmony, there is no better place to develop this than in the home. A loving home is the foundation of harmony. It is a place to build family values, a place to study, a place to rest.’

Food for the Poor Jamaica Executive Director Kivette Silvera uttered similar sentiments stating that ‘Partnerships foster a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. When we unite our efforts, we maximise resources and inspire others to join the cause,’ said.

Aldred is grateful. ‘I am incredibly grateful for the support we have received,’ she said.

‘This new house will not only improve our living conditions but also bring hope and security to my family.’