An indigenous insurance provider based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has launched a groundbreaking new philanthropic partnership focused on supporting children with disabilities, marking a departure from the company’s traditional community giving priorities. Sentry Insurance, which has served the local community for more than 53 years, has committed a total $10,000 donation to the Helping Hands Centre, a day-care facility operated by the local non-profit Association for People with Disabilities. Unlike many one-off corporate donations, company leaders have framed the gift as the opening of a long-term sustained partnership to support the center’s critical mission.
Fidel Taylor, Sentry Insurance’s general manager, first announced the commitment during an official cheque-handover ceremony, where he shared how a visit to the Montrose-based facility convinced him the company had to step up to help. The Helping Hands Centre caters to children living with all forms of disability, with a core mission of empowering every child to grow into their fullest potential. After witnessing the center’s work and unmet needs firsthand, Taylor approached Junior Bacchus, chair of the Helping Hands Centre, to make clear that Sentry’s involvement would not be a fleeting gesture.
“This is the first time we’ve launched this type of targeted giving initiative,” Taylor explained during the ceremony, noting that Sentry has a long history of supporting local sports and cultural projects across St. Vincent. This new commitment, he emphasized, is a reflection of the company’s promise to give back to the local community that has sustained its success for more than half a century, drawn directly from the firm’s annual profits.
The $10,000 contribution will be disbursed in two separate installments: the first cheque was handed over to center leadership during the ceremony, and the second installment is scheduled to be delivered in early 2025. According to Taylor, the unrestricted funding will be used to cover the center’s daily operational costs, helping the facility keep its doors open and continue serving local families. “This is to keep you going to help to pay the bills,” he said, adding that company leadership recognizes how challenging and important the center’s work is for the nation.
“These are the nation’s children, and it’s not easy to do this job. And we recognise it,” Taylor stated, praising the center’s staff for their tireless daily work supporting vulnerable children. He used the platform of the announcement to issue a public call to action, urging other local businesses, community organizations and individual residents to join Sentry in supporting the Helping Hands Centre. Taylor stressed that even small contributions make a meaningful difference, encouraging potential donors not to hold back from giving because they feel their donation is too small.
“Don’t underestimate whatever you can give,” he said. “No gift is too small.” For the Helping Hands Centre, the new partnership with Sentry Insurance brings both immediate financial relief and long-term assurance of continued support, as leaders work to expand their capacity to serve children with disabilities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.