The Tribune

BEC Fuse, a Junior Achievement company sponsored by the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), is starting its 2015/16 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 the Lupus 242 organisation.

Until last year, few of the Achievers knew about the debilitating disease called lupus. But that all changed last when 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 7, dozens wore purple and orange (lupus awareness colours) and hit the sidewalks along Baha Mar Boulevard for the BEC Fuse fun run/walk. The event was the first of many expected 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,” BEC’s JA executive advisor, Tamika Roberts.

“We want to ensure that the students who leave our company are socially responsible and recognise 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.”

The Achievers raised more than $2,000 from the 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 for a well-organised 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,” Ms Johnson said.