Betty Ffrench (centre) accepts her care package from Kimberly Atkinson (left) Communication and Client Services Manager, JN Small Business Loans and Dane Baker, Client Relations Manager, JNSBL Region 8. Miss Ffrench was one of several elderly clients who received care packages from the micro-finance company as part of its efforts to assist clients affect by the COVID-19 pandemic
For 76-year-old Betty Ffrench, the COVID-19 pandemic has left her in a difficult position. The bag juice retailer has been unable to work due to Government protocols requiring persons over the age of 70 to stay at home, which severely impacted her ability to earn a living.
Consequently, when the JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL) team visited her home at Whitehall Terrace in St. Andrew on July 2 to present her with a care package, Ms Ffrench was grateful for the donation.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I haven’t been able to work and so I am always at home and it has been difficult. This is why I am grateful for the care package because it will greatly assist me during this time,” she explained.
Miss Ffrench was one of the numerous clients over the age of 70 years across the island that the loan company has provided with care packages as it continues to assist persons impacted by COVID-19.
“Since March, when the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Jamaica, many of our clients have been impacted in one way or another. In addition to the various loan products and moratoriums, donating care packages has been another way in which we have been assisting them,” explained Miss. Kimberly Atkinson, communication and client services manager, JNSBL.
“We decided to provide additional support for some of our elderly clients because many have been unable to leave their homes to work. This has impacted many of them in several ways. They are able to honour their commitments, provide for their families and operate their businesses. By undertaking this initiative, we are reassuring them that JNSBL cares about their wellbeing and will continue to provide support during this difficult period,” she added.
Dane Baker, client relations manager, Region 8, which covers northern St. Andrew, explained that Ms Ffrench was also selected because she was one of JNSBL’s most loyal clients.
“Ms Ffrench has been with us for four years. During this time, she has developed an excellent relationship with her client relations officer and the JNSBL team. She remains one of our most loyal customers, and we stand ready to assist her in whatever way possible,” he said.
