BEC Fuse, a Junior Achievement company sponsored by the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), is starting its 2015-2016 year off strong by supporting a worthy cause. Instead of the traditional car wash to raise capital for products, the group held a Fun Run Walk in aid of Lupus 242.
Until last year, few of the Achievers knew about the debilitating disease lupus. In December 2014, their fellow BEC Achiever Ken Saunders passed away due to complications from lupus. From then to now, BEC’s JA companies have teamed up with Lupus 242 to bring greater local awareness to the illness. In the previous JA year, the students took action and donated a portion of their commission to Lupus 242 and they expect to make an even greater contribution this year.
On Saturday November 7th, dozens donned purple and orange (lupus awareness colors) and hit the sidewalks along Baha Mar Blvd for the BEC Fuse Fun, Run Walk. The event is the first of many efforts to help the non-profit promote its cause.
“Our aim is simple. BEC’s JA Company isn’t only based on winning and receiving top awards. Our goal is to develop well-rounded, community-minded individuals. We want to ensure that the students who leave our company are socially responsible and recognize the importance of giving back to the community. This is where it starts. We love that they are committed to this cause and we applaud the unselfish effort that these students are making,” cheered BEC JA Executive Advisor, Tamika Roberts.
The Achievers raised more than $2000 from Saturday’s walk with part proceeds going directly to Lupus 242.
Shonalee Johnson, Vice President of Lupus 242 participated in the walk along with other members of the support group. She applauded both the Achievers and their advisors on a well-organized event and for their continued support of Lupus 242. “We are grateful to BEC’s JA company for taking on our group as their charity for yet another year. There are so many Bahamians who suffer from lupus, which is very difficult to diagnose. Every dollar we raise goes towards ensuring that more and more people are aware of this disease and to help us fight it. The reach of these young people will help spread our message far and wide and we couldn’t ask for much more,” Johnson said.
BEC employees, Achiever family members, friends, avid runners and walkers, as well as supporters of Lupus 242 made quite the show at the walk. The event is just the beginning. BEC Fuse looks forward to another successful year and to further supporting their main cause- lupus awareness.
Participants get set for BEC Fuse Fun Run Walk in aid of Lupus 242
Archdeacon James Palacious (centre) presented with his category prize at BEC JA Fuse Fun Run Walk in aid of Lupus 242. Pictured Fuse president (left) and Shonalee Johnson, VP of Lupus 242.
Lupus242 and BEC Fuse JA group pose after a successful Fun Run Walk
General Manager Kevin Basden completes BEC Fuse JA Company's Fun Run Walk in aid of Lupus 242
