DIGICEL (Barbados) Ltd. is assisting the Hope Foundation with its awareness campaign by supporting that organisation’s Walk for Lupus for the ninth year.

The annual walk comes off this Sunday, August 30, starting at the Drill Hall Beach, St. Michael from 6 a.m., and is one of the many activities the Foundation organises to raise public awareness of Lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue.

Founder and President of the Foundation, Shelley Weir, thanked Digicel for continuing to support the Foundations’ efforts: “Since 2006 Digicel has supported the walk and we would like to thank the management and staff for their continued support.

“While we do get some Government funding, we also need contributions from the business community. It is this kind of assistance which helps us to keep hope alive. So the continued support Digicel provides, allows us to proceed with confidence and it is truly extraordinary when companies understand the value of giving back to the community.”

Digicel’s CEO, Johnny Ingle, noted that the telecommunications company was honoured to assist again this year: “We see this as an extremely important cause as we understand the importance of raising awareness of this disease which affects a number of Barbadians. Not only those who suffer with the disease but their families as well.

“By raising awareness we are getting one step closer to improving the lives of those affected, which is why we continue to get involved each year. We want to encourage all Barbadians to come out and support the walk this weekend as we get healthy for a good cause.”

For further information or to register for the walk, please contact the Hope Foundation Barbados at 437-8781 or hope@caribsurf.com