NCB grants 28 life-changing wishes for the holidays

NCB Foundation brought the true spirit of giving to life at its 2024 Grant a Wish Reveal Ceremony, held recently in Kingston.

Twenty-eight deserving men, women, and children from across Jamaica had their heartfelt wishes granted through this year’s transformative programme.

The festive morning began with a Christmas ornament decorating activity, setting a joyful tone for the day. Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and special needs advocate, Dr Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs led a spirited holiday sing-along, adding to the excitement. Unbeknownst to the beneficiaries, they were moments away from receiving life-changing news.

The highlight of the event came when beneficiaries were each handed sealed envelopes. As they opened them, Bruce Bowen, CEO of National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ), revealed the surprise as they opened their envelopes to find the words, ‘You are a winner’. The room erupted with joy as wishes became reality.

This year’s programme featured five nomination categories: Charities, Community Heroes, Persons with Disabilities, Medical Assistance, and an Open category, for nominees outside these areas. With close to 700,000 public votes, the overwhelming response underscored Jamaica’s commitment to uplifting its own and in making a difference.

Amongst the beneficiaries was Faylicia Gardner, a teacher from Annotto Bay High School, who received $500,000 to purchase a new scooter. "I am in disbelief; I’m so grateful to be chosen as a recipient," said Gardener. “I am a person with a disability. I have a scooter, but I’ve had it for many years and it’s getting worn out. As a teacher, I must move around a lot from classroom to classroom. Thanks to the funds I’ve received, I can get a brand new one and continue my work without any limitation.” she shared.

Sheryl Lee-Phillips, the mother of 21-year-old Antoine Lee-Creary, another recipient, is dedicated to improving her son's life. With Antoine’s multiple diagnoses, including autism, microcephaly, cerebral dysgenesis and global developmental delay, Sheryl strives to make his life better. “I want to make his days more interesting when I’m away at work,” said Sheryl, who is a special education teacher. “Thanks to N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme, and all the family, friends, and well-wishers who voted, I will be able to create more interactive experiences for him at home. It feels like a weight has been lifted, and I’m grateful for this chance to improve Antoine’s quality of life.”

“Every beneficiary has shown incredible resilience and heart in their journey, proving them unstoppable,” said Andrew Pairman, Deputy Chair, NCB Foundation. “This year, we expanded the programme to include fourth and fifth place categories, granting more wishes to spread hope and joy to those who need and deserve it. This is how together we build a better, stronger Jamaica—by lifting each other up and turning dreams into reality, one wish at a time,” said Pairman.

NCB Foundation’s 2024 Grant a Wish programme provided $15 million in opportunities to 62 individuals and organisations. Beyond the publicly selected beneficiaries, NCB Foundation Directors contributed to impactful initiatives including SickKids-Caribbean Initiative, Stand Up for Jamaica, Through the Learning Curve Jamaica, and the St Andrew High School’s Old Girls Association’s Sister Care programme. Media outlets and social media influencers also made picks to deliver on projects, boosting the programme’s impact.

Twelve years ago, NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme began with a single act of kindness—fulfilling a customer’s dream of restarting their life with a sewing machine. Today, that spirit of generosity has blossomed into a national movement, transforming thousands of lives across Jamaicans.

“This season of giving reminds us of the power of community.” said Sheree Martin, CEO of NCB Foundation.  “Each wish granted today creates new possibilities and opportunities that ripple through families and communities, driving the prospect for lasting socio-economic change. By enabling and connecting dreams to reality, NCB is building a better Jamaica. N.C.B. Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme is working with you in identifying and delivering on the needs and desires of others.”