In an effort to support REACH Bahamas' mission to increase autism awareness in The Bahamas, RBC Royal Bank hosted a special event where executive leaders of R.E.A.C.H along with a student representative, Danier Rolle, were presented with school bags with notebooks, pencils, a ruler, other basic supplies, an RBC lunch bag, and a piggy bank to encourage saving habits among the students.

Donnetta Turnquest, head, market coordination and optimization, RBC Royal Bank, said that RBC is committed to contributing to the enhancement of the lives of individuals in the community.

"We are pleased to assist in bringing a smile to a student's face, and to lend a helping hand to their parents as they prepare for a productive school year in a few weeks," said Turnquest.

During the event, Special Olympics Gold Medalist, Rolle, who won two gold medals in long jump and softball throw, along with a silver medal in the 100 meter power walk race, was commended for his achievements, and for representing The Bahamas internationally at the recent World Games. Brigitte McPhee, office administrator, R.E.A.C.H, said that most parents of autistic children leave full-time employment in order to attend to their children, which she said creates a financial burden on most families. R.E.A.C.H now offers a parent support group, where best practices and idea sharing take place at their Palmdale location.

"Today, I am so grateful and overwhelmed because I know first hand the struggle that the parents go through in providing the necessary supplies for their children daily. Contributions like this take a great deal of stress off them, as most times they are financially strained. We know that our children will appreciate this. Thank you RBC for being a good corporate citizen."

According to Latoya Barnes, RBC manager, compensation programs and lead coordinator of the RBC/R.E.A.C.H initiative, she is proud of the camaraderie experienced as the human resources team worked together.

"I am proud of the team for coming together to successfully execute this great initiative," said Barnes. "We are grateful to have made a difference in the lives of our students."

She said the project sensitized more RBC employees to the fact that autism among children exists in The Bahamas. "We are extremely grateful for the contribution and thankful of the fact that RBC acknowledges the work that we are doing," said Daren Henfield, executive member, R.E.A.C.H and parent of a 13-year-old autistic daughter. "You have set a great example of what being a good corporate citizen is, and we hope that other organizations are encouraged to follow this example. A dollar means a lot to a parent of a child with special needs, which will aid in the purchase of, antibiotics and other medical supplies and therapy session," said Henfield. As for the future of R.E.A.C.H Bahamas, the executives said that due to the increasing number of children being diagnosed with autism, and policies are amended R.E.A.C.H will continue to play an integral role in the community and will be the voice for autism, helping the children to live normal lives.

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