VM Foundation, UK company to increase water storage for rural students

The VM Foundation has partnered with Flake Bake, a prominent Jamaican patty manufacturer and distributor based in Southeast London, to provide essential water storage solutions to three schools in St Elizabeth – Lewisville High, Newell High, and Aberdeen High schools. This collaboration is part of the VM Foundation’s Hurricane Beryl relief efforts.

During a visit to the Newell High School on Friday, November 8, the donation for the purchase and installation of state-of-the-art, rotationally moulded polyethylene 1000-gallon water tanks was presented to the schools.These tanks will serve multiple purposes, including the storage of safe drinking water and providing emergency backup for water supplies. This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in driving progress for youth and rural communities.

Samantha Charles, CEO of the VM Foundation, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to empowering the next generation by ensuring access to basic resources. During the handover ceremony, she stated, “The lack of access to safe and clean water directly impacts our education system. When students face the additional burdens of inadequate water supply, education can be negatively impacted. Our partnership with Flake Bake on this initiative was a natural choice, as we share a vision for a brighter future for our youth.”

Mike Williams, owner of Flake Bake, echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire to give back to Jamaica following Hurricane Beryl. “As someone who grew up in a small town in Jamaica, I understand the challenges many children face and the limited opportunities available to them. This initiative is about empowering children to see themselves as global citizens, capable of dreaming beyond their rural communities. I want to ensure that those who are less fortunate have access to the same opportunities I was able to create for myself. Together, we are making that vision a reality.”

Flake Bake has raised £2,000 to support this initiative by donating one pence for every patty sold during a successful campaign that included the sale of 80,000 patties at Aldi Supermarket, and an additional 120,000 patties at an external event. With a total of 200,000 patties sold, this contribution emphasises Flake Bake’s commitment to making a positive impact.

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Founded 12 years ago, Flake Bake is the largest handmade Jamaican patty supplier in the UK, producing over 20,000 patties weekly. This partnership with the VM Foundation marks a significant step towards improving the lives of students in rural Jamaica.