A desire among staff at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank to make a tangible difference in the lives of children has resulted in an upgraded play park for students at the .

Members of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Learning and Development (L&D) team in Barbados recently donated funds for park equipment including a bench, table and a swing set to the school’s principal as part of the team’s assistance to the school under the bank’s Adopt-A-Cause programme. In its first year of support the L&D team donated a LaserJet printer, a stereo system and stationery supplies.

“We were motivated to provide support again this year based on the needs identified. Each year we talk to the principal to ascertain the critical needs and then make a determination on the kind of support we can give, whether through time and/or tangible items,” explained Steve Scantlebury, Manager, Web-Based Learning, CIBC FirstCaribbean.

Scantlebury said the response to the cause from the eight members in Barbados’ L&D team was “enthusiastic“. “The team gave their support to the initiative. When we discussed the costs for the park we realised that we were over budget and asked the team to contribute additional funds to meet the short fall. The team responded positively and we were able to purchase all the equipment needed for the park.”

The manager added that participating in Adopt-A-Cause made the team feel proud. “We feel we have a responsibility to give back to the community, and investing in our children is certainly a good place to start. We feel a great sense of satisfaction when we see the children enjoying the park and knowing that we played a part in making this possible. We really want to make a difference in the lives of the children and look forward to our continued partnership with the school.”

In encouraging other entities and individuals to support Irving Wilson, Scantlebury noted, “The school has limited resources and the needs are great. We would encourage other organisations and individuals to visit and partner with the school, and provide support, whether by providing a service, cash or purchasing equipment.”

Irving Wilson caters to students who are hearing-impaired, blind or visually-impaired.

Principal, , in thanking the team said, “We want to thank CIBC FirstCaribbean once again for partnering with us in giving our students access to suitable recreation through the construction of a play park. The children are very excited with the new play park, and the teachers and staff are also excited for the children. In this regard we hope that the bank will continue to lend the school support as there are many needs.”

The CIBC FirstCaribbean Adopt-A-Cause programme is an initiative that allows departments of the bank to volunteer their time, resources and skills to worthy causes. These include repairs and refurbishments to schools and retirement homes, the establishment of school libraries, donations to the HIV/AIDS food bank, contributions to regional feeding programmes and purchasing and packing school supplies for children, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS.

CIBC FirstCaribbean branches and departments across the region contribute time, money and skills to more than 100 projects annually across the Caribbean.