Nassau, The Bahamas, April 12, 2024 – Colina Insurance Limited commemorated Autism Awareness month with $10,000 donation to The Bahamas Resource and Educational Source for Autism and other related Challenges (R.E.A.C.H.). The Company has been supporting R.E.A.C.H. for over a decade.

“While awareness is key, funding is critical, so we wanted to demonstrate our support in a tangible way this month,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director of Corporate Communications at Colina.

“We are grateful to be a part of Colina’s initiatives again, said Dwayne Gibson, Chairman, Board of Directors, R.E.A.C.H. “They’ve been consistent with us for over 10 years and the financial support that we receive allows us to meet the needs of those who do not have the resources – the impact has been tremendous.”

The donation was presented during a special ‘Lunch and Learn’ event held for Colina employees. Dr. Dashawn Saunders, Pediatrician and Consultant at R.E.A.CH., attended the event and addressed staff, shedding light on the growing prevalence of autism.

“Ten years ago, autism was one in 80, however, in 2020 it was noted that the prevalence of autism is now one in 36 children,” Saunders stated. “We have approximately five thousand live births delivered at our hospital yearly, and so if we were to look at those numbers, it means that we have 100 plus kids that are born and likely to develop autism.”

Au-some father Shervin Evans shared his heartfelt journey and commitment to supporting his son’s needs. “We are on an awesome lifetime journey that has been very exciting,” Evans said. “I made a commitment to my son that I would do whatever I can, go wherever I need to go, and cross whatever seas I need to cross to assist him in finding his normal in this world – not what the world says is normal, but what he deems normal for him to exist.”

Colina employees have purchased autism awareness t-shirts which they wear each Friday to bring awareness. Colina’s Resident Actuary and “Au-some” dad, Marcus Bosland, was in attendance and supported the initiative.

“Perspective is very important in every sphere of our lives and there is an interesting lens pertaining to people with disabilities,” said Bosland. “It’s not a question about what they lack, it is really a question of ‘what do they bring?’ and getting to know who they are as a person, instead of ‘why are they different?’ or ‘why are they unusual’.”

Colina’s donation is aligned with the Company’s commitment to health and wellness.

“Colina is committed to creating an inclusive society by empowering communities across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director of Corporate Communications at Colina. “Autism is a very complex disability that many families in our country struggle with on a daily basis.”

“We are dedicated to continuing our long-standing partnership with R.E.A.C.H. in their endeavour to create a better world for au-some persons and their families,” Seymour.

Colina is also showcasing blue light displays at their East Bay Street and Village Road locations during the entire month of April to bring additional awareness to the cause.

The ‘Lunch and Learn’ event took place at Colina’s J. Whitney Building, at 21 Collins Avenue.

About Resource and Educational Source for Autism and other related Challenges (R.E.A.C.H)

Is The Bahamas’ Resource and Educational source for Autism and other related Challenges in the Bahamas. The non-profit organization aims to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurobiological disorder.

About Colina Insurance Limited (Colina)

Colina is a diversified financial services company, offering comprehensive life and health insurance solutions. Colina is wholly-owned by Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL). CHBL is a Bahamian Company, built on a firm foundation of trust, integrity and responsibility. Colina has evolved over the past century to become The Bahamas’ largest life and health insurer, with a solid reputation for providing insurance and related financial services products that help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events.