Nagico donates $10,000 to Yep after inaugural
NAGICO Insurances donated $10,000 to the Youth Enrichment Project (YEP) following its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose on June 6 at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus in Paraquita Bay, organisers said. The funds, presented by NAGICO manager Shaquilla Smith to YEP deputy director Bianca Dougan, will support YEP's free after-school programmes, mentorship initiatives and other youth development activities; organisers plan to build on the event's momentum for a larger turnout next year.
NAGICO Insurances has donated $10,000 to the Youth Enrichment Project (YEP) after staging a community fundraising run at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) campus in Paraquita Bay. BVI News reported the event as the inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose held on June 6, and organisers confirmed the donation was presented at the conclusion of the event.
At the presentation, NAGICO manager Shaquilla K. Smith handed the cheque to YEP deputy director Bianca J. VINO and BVI News both reported that the funds will go directly toward YEP's free after-school programmes, mentorship initiatives and other youth development activities that serve young people across the Territory.
Organisers said more than 250 people took part in the community event, which drew families, fitness enthusiasts, corporate partners and supporters from across the Virgin Islands. Both outlets noted that participants ranged in age from four to more than 80, a range organisers pointed to as evidence of broad, intergenerational community support for youth-focused initiatives.
NAGICO Managing Director Shan Mohamed told attendees the company is proud to invest in programmes that help young people succeed. Mohamed said supporting youth is one of the most meaningful investments in the Virgin Islands and that the donation will help YEP continue providing education, mentorship and positive opportunities that can transform lives, according to BVI News.
At-Large Representative and YEP Executive Director Stacey/Stacey R. Mather — identified by VINO as Honourable Stacey R. Mather (AL), MBE — also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of partnerships between the corporate sector and community organisations. Mather noted that visible corporate support increases YEP's reach and encourages other businesses to get involved, a point echoed in both news reports.
Six participants were recognised with trophies for top performances: fastest male and female overall, fastest male and female under 17, and fastest male and female under 12. Organisers singled out key contributors to the race's success, including Stephanie Russ-Penn, head of HLSCC's Athletic Association, her team for race timing and logistics, and Kay Reddy, Road Race Director, as detailed by VINO.
YEP Deputy Director Bianca Dougan expressed gratitude to NAGICO, sponsors, volunteers and HLSCC for their roles in the fundraiser, stressing that every dollar matters to the nonprofit. Both VINO and BVI News reported that this year marks YEP's 21st year of service in the Virgin Islands and that the organisation has provided education, mentorship and personal development programmes to countless young people since its establishment.
Following the success of the inaugural run/walk, organisers from NAGICO and YEP said they are already looking at ways to expand the fundraiser next year and build on the community momentum to further invest in youth development across the Territory.
Primary source: VINO