Nassau, The Bahamas, April 26, 2022 – The Bahamas AIDS Foundation’s Adolescent Outreach Programme received a fifteen thousand dollars injection from Colina Insurance Limited (Colina) in an effort to assist children and adolescents infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Colina is Bahamian and we have a vested interest in the health and wellness of Bahamian citizens and residents, particularly young people,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “We continue to partner with the Foundation in their efforts, particularly the outreach to young people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.”

“It was a no brainer when Lady Barnett reached out to us and said the children were in need of food and other supplies,” said Seymour.

“We are thrilled that Colina has stepped up to help us through this process,” said Camille, Lady Barnett, President, Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

“Families look forward to this.  Food security is still an issue in our country,” said Barnett.  “One hundred and twenty-six kids and their families will receive food [for the rest of the year] as a result of this wonderful donation.”

For eleven years, The Bahamas AIDS Foundation operated an after school outreach programme for adolescents infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation started a grocery delivery programme that proved to be beneficial for the young people and their families.

Colina’s donation will support the continuation of the adolescent programme, with particular emphasis on the meal component.

“Colina’s relationship with The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is an enduring one that dates back to our legacy company, Imperial Life Financial, that donated the property on which the Foundation sits and also pioneered the Red Ribbon Ball,” said Seymour.

“We have decades worth of partnership under our belt and we plan to continue this relationship with the Foundation because it is a worthy partnership indeed,” said Seymour.

The Bahamas AIDS Foundation intends to continue supporting family members and kids infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS however they rely greatly on the support of various organizations.

“We have a lot of people who need the funding and food items,” said Kino McCartney, Branch Manager, Colina.  “My appeal is to the general public to continue to assist the AIDS Foundation – COVID is here but the reality is HIV/AIDS is still real – let’s do our part Bahamians!”

Colina presented the donation during a press conference at The Bahamas AIDS Foundation’s headquarters on Delancy Street.

About The AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas

The AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas was established in 1992 by the Zonta Club of Nassau. The Zonta Club of Nassau was approached by Dr. Perry Gomez, Director of the National AIDS Programme with a view to establishing an NGO (Non-Government Organization) to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  In 1994 Imperial Life Financial (Colina) became a major partner and pledged to host an annual fund raiser (Red Ribbon Ball) for the Foundation. The first Red Ribbon Ball was held in 1994. Over the years this event has become the major fund raiser for the Foundation.  In 1997 Imperial Life donated property at 23 Delancey Street for the offices of the Foundation.

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 155 years 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.