The travails of the Belize Family Life Association have been well documented.
In October, the organization was almost forced to close its doors because it ran out of funding to meet recurrent expenses.
Still, it has just barely managed to keep those doors open, while making a grudging concession to close its Belmopan clinic.
But now with an infusion of support from the First Caribbean Bank, the BFLA will be able to launch an important public health initiative.
The FCIB held a fundraising effort where its credit card users contributed to the organization with every sale they made.
Today Director Joan Burke told the media how the money will be used:
Joan Burke - Executive Director, BFLA
"We have looked at very innovative and strategic approaches to take the organization forward. So, right now, we are in full swing. We have looked at additional services to offer to the nation, so financially we are moving toward our sustainability."
Gina Castillo - Customer Service, First Caribbean
"As most people know, it's a worthwhile organization. They offer essential services at very low costs to the Belizeans all across the county. So we thought that it would be fitting for them to receive this donation."
Joan Burke
"I was touched last year when we were informed that that bank had considered BFLA as a recipient of its donation. And besides the bank, I want to say thank you to all the credit card holders of the bank because it's because of them - and the use of their credit card for the period of November and December - we are able to get this donation."
Gina Castillo
"A percentage of all charges which were made to the credit cards by our card holders is the amount that we donated today, and it came up to over $17,000."
Joan Burke
"What we want to do with this money is to purchase, primarily, our supplies for the prevention of cervical cancer. Then of course, how will this contribute to our target of sustainability? We will be able to increase the access to pap smears."
The cervical testing will be done through community outreach...
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