Back in 2011, Harris Paints initiated a programme in which it partnered with its various retailers to support the fight against cancer.

It was done specifically for a young lady – Kristen Lopez – who at the time had been diagnosed with leukemia and since orange is the international colour for leukemia, Harris Paints decided to donate $10 to the Team Kristen Charity for every gallon sold of their Caribbean Top 10 Fiesta Orange paint which became known as “Kristen Orange.” The charity needed the funds to cover her medical expenses associated with the stem cell transplant.

All paint purchased at the Harris Colourcentres or participating retailers contributed to the fund. The entire promotion was also publicized via advertising in the media, on Face book and the Harris Colour Champions website.

By October 2012, the fund had accumulated a grand total of $5,000 but Kristen was out of the island studying to complete her degree, which had been interrupted by her treatment. She returned to spend Christmas 2012 with her family and friends in Barbados and Harris took the opportunity to present her with the cheque for $5000. Kristen also used the occasion to present some members of the Harris Paints staff with Team Kristen Bracelets and T-shirts and was thrilled to announce that she is doing much better, had purchased Fiesta Orange to decorate her own bedroom and is graduating in May.

The support for Kristen is evident in the number of homes and buildings which are now brightly painted fiesta orange.

In addition to helping Kristen, the Team Kristen Charity also has the aim to help other children who are suffering with cancer.

“You are truly an inspiration to all of us” stated Sales and Retail Services Manager Kimberly Douglas as she presented the cheque to Kristen who was accompanied by members of the Team Kristen Charity.