The response to the second edition of the Progressive Optimist Club’s Back to School Uniform and Supplies Drive has increased significantly, both in terms of those giving and those needing assistance.

Word of this came from President Cameron Sobers yesterday when Scotiabank handed over a cheque for $2000 to assist the drive, along with several barrels filled with uniforms and supplies donated by staff and customers.

Scotiabank marketing manager Amanda Lynch-Foster said supporting the back to school drive was a natural fit for the bank which focuses its philanthropy on efforts which help children and young people.

“All over the world wherever we serve, Scotiabank and Scotiabankers are dedicated to helping young people in our communities become better off and become positive contributors to their communities. So when we heard about this Back to School drive, we wanted to help. Education is just too important for children to be held back because of their family’s financial situation,” said Lynch-Foster.

Sobers praised Scotiabank for their contribution to the drive, noting that it was part of a larger trend of support from corporate Barbados.

“Going into the second year of the Progressive Back to School drive, we were confident that the Barbadian public would come out again in support of the children. Our Optimism has held true and the outpouring of good will maintains our faith in the generosity of our fellow man. We also saw the opportunity to reach out to corporate Barbados and the response thus far has been very encouraging. We are pleased that companies like Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre and Scotiabank have stepped forward to show meaningful support.”

With the first distribution day set for Saturday at the LESC, he said the number of calls they’d received from those in need and from principals referring students indicated that even more Barbadians would be coming to them for back to school assistance this year.