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THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 19, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 THE W EKLY GLEAN R | DECEMBER 13, 2021 - JANUARY 2 2 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: P ATRONS AND residents of the north Bronx neighbourhood in NewYork will this year again enjoy one of the most anticipated festive outings on their community calendar, even as the world eases back to normality from the pandemic. THE SEMINAL Christmas event, organised and presented by McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home (MBFH), is back at its usual venue, the Eastwood Manor Banquet Hall at 3371 Eastchester Road, at the corner of Eastchester and Boston roads, on Tuesday, December 14. The start time is set for 6 p.m. And guess what? The event will be in-person for those fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is strongly recom- mended, and as a release from the management at McCall’s Bronxwood FH notes, this year’s event, whichmarks the 24th anniversary, will be ‘a party with a purpose’. That ‘purpose’ will be in the form of a candlelight ceremony for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other considerations. “Once again, it’s the time of year to reflect with gratitude and look to the future with a sense of optimism and faith. We may still be dealing with the pandemic while the political and eco- nomic climates continue to test our resolve,” noted James Alston, CEO of McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home. Patrons wishing to attend the event should have indicated their decision on or before close of business on December 6, at 718.231.7647 (voice), 718.231.7665 (fax), e. Director@mc- calls.net . The price of admission is an unwrapped toy and a contribution of $25, to benefit the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). This year’s event also marks the 11th anniversary of the McCall’s partner- ship, benefiting students at historically black colleges and universities across the country. The partnership has so far raised in excess of US$50,000 in sup- port of on-campus college education. “As we give thanks, we want our friends, neighbours and families to embrace the collective nature of our struggle with compassion towards one another. There are those among us far less fortunate, to whom an extension of grace, favour, a small act of kindness, will bring a better day.” Among the organisations that the MBFH toy drive continues to benefit are the Montefiore Children’s Hospital, NYPD/47 Precinct, local family shelters, and a number of community organ- isations. Over the past five decades, the MBFH has contributed close to $250,000 to various scholarship pro- grammes across the city and state. At the end of it all, the management and staff of McCall’s are hoping that the event will continue to provide guid- ance for the scholarship recipients and an opportunity to network with repre- sentatives fromUNCF, within the spirit of the holiday. Speaking further with The Weekly Gleaner , Alston expressed his ap- preciation for the outpouring of support and generosity, especially as the community emerges from the pandemic. “I could not have asked for more from this community that we have called home for all these many years, and for that we are eternally grateful.” “With best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season from the manage- ment and staff at McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, Bronx.” McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home marks 24 years with ‘PARTY WITH A PURPOSE’ James. CONTRIBUTED THE VM Group was founded on the dreams of a group of clergymenwho wanted to create a more equal so- ciety where hard-working but eco- nomically marginalised Jamaicans had access to home ownership and could achieve financial well-being. The business has grown over the years, with increased offerings and a reach that has expanded across oceans and seas to meet the needs of members wherever they are in the world. What has remained consistent, however, is the purpose of the business, which continues to be helping our members and clients to own their homes and achieve financial well-being. Today, the VM Group is a trusted partner for Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans living abroad and on the island. STRONG INTEGRATED GROUP VM GROUP includes: VM Building Society, VM Wealth Management, VM Pensions Management, VM Property Services,VMBS Money Transfer Services, VM Finance (UK) and VM Innovations. British Caribbean Insurance Company and Carilend are affiliate companies. The wide range of the Group’s of- ferings enables the team to empower Jamaicans in different ways, helping them to transform their lives. It is a commitment that the team takes very seriously. SERVING MEMBERS AT HOME AND ABROAD VM operates overseas representa- tive offices in Brixton, Tottenham, and Birmingham in the United Kingdom, as well as Florida and New York in the United States. The Group also has a strong brand presence in Canada. VM’s overseas representative offices serve members of the diaspora, includ- ing those who plan on returning to live in Jamaica, in important ways. They offer information on VM’s savings and loan products and services, accept doc- uments for the processing of mortgage applications for purchasing property in Jamaica, and handle general queries. This means that returning residents can contact a VM representative of- fice in advance to begin the process of accessing savings and loan products, including mortgages and car loans. SAVING WITH VMBS As a mutual financial institution, VM savers have a unique advantage. VM is owned by its members, and not share- holders, so the business’ surplus goes back into delivering greater returns to members through low or no fees and highly competitive savings rates. HERE IS WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: • You start earning interest on lower minimum balances than most other financial institutions • You are NOT charged to have an ac- count (yes, others charge you for this), so your funds remain in your account, earning interest • We have never charged dormant fees on accounts, so your funds stay in your account and continue to earn interest • As a VMBS saver you can access your VM Group: Transforming lives at home and abroad PLEASE SEE VM GROUP, 10