Reggae Girlz Foundation filling the gaps

To ensure that the Reggae Girlz are comfortable during their time at the July 20 to August 20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the Reggae Girlz Foundation has been assisting the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to fill the gaps where they fall short in the Girlz’ preparation.

The Reggae Girlz Foundation recently provided more than US$35,000 to help with hotel costs for the team’s camp in Amsterdam, and Michelle Adamolekun of the foundation said they would continue to raise funds over the duration of the tournament and are ready to provide any other assistance the team may require while they are at the World Cup

Adamolekun said after the Girlz achieved their second successive qualification for the World Cup, the foundation began their preparation to assist by starting a fundraiser, with US$75,000 as their target.

“The JFF has a budget, so what we try to do, if there are any gaps, we fill those gaps. We have had a lot of camps and for the under-15s, under-17s, under-21s and senior girls, so we try to help out with food, hotel, transport, and we typically pay directly to the vendors,” she told The Gleaner.

She disclosed that the foundation has raised close to US$45,000, and when the JFF requested their assistance with hotel fees for their pre-World Cup camp in Amsterdam, they joined with the Bob Marley Foundation to ensure that the accommodation was paid for.

“In January, they (Girlz) had a camp, and we helped out with food, which was about US$5,000. Then this came up with the hotel. Adidas is covering the camp, but the cost of the hotel had to be covered.

“So we connected with Bob Marley Foundation, and the total hotel cost was about 68,000 euros. We paid US$36,000 and Bob Marley Foundation covered the rest, so we split the cost in that regard.

“We raised close to US$45,000, and we have already paid out US$41,000. We will continue to raise funds until they start the games, and if there is anything they need in Australia, we will send the balance there and make sure they have that,” she said.

She added their support must not be confused with the recent GoFundMe account created to assist the Reggae Girlz with transportation to Australia.

REGGAE GIRL

“There has been a lot of discussions about the GoFundMe. I understand it was a Reggae Girl parent that started it. The JFF are aware of our fundraising because our financials are public. They are able to see exactly what we are raising.

“We go through a platform that shows who donates and that they get their tax benefits and receipt.

“But we try to help out where we can as we want to make sure the Girlz have no stress or challenges because of needs like food, hotel, and transportation.

“So any assistance we can provide when they go in, Cedella (Marley) or the JFF will reach out. So we are on standby,” she stated.

She added that a big thank you must go to the Reggae Girlz’ supporters as they could not have assisted the Girlz without their support.

“I want to highlight our supporters for being there unconditionally with the Girlz with all their support. The funds that were raised came from our supporters. So big up the diaspora. We appreciate everything you do to support the Girlz along the way.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com