CAL’s gives care packages to grooms

April 28, 2020
Carol Ivey, promotions manager, Cal’s Manufacturing Limited make a presentation to two of the grooms at Caymanas Park yesterday.
Carol Ivey, promotions manager, Cal’s Manufacturing Limited make a presentation to two of the grooms at Caymanas Park yesterday.

CAL's manufacturing has extended its philanthropic arm to the grooms at Caymanas Park yesterday after handing out over 300 care packages to assist the horsemen during the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest move could not be more timely as grooms have been hit hard by lay-offs and redundancies following the shutdown of horse racing at the Park since late March.

President of the Grooms Association of Jamaica Fabian Whyte has uttered nothing but praises to Carlton Watson and his team at CAL'S for responding positively to the desperate needs of the more than 500 grooms that ply their trade at the track.

"This is a joy for us. This is more than appreciative. I saw the hardship and decided to write a letter to Mr Watson, asking him to assist the grooms, and he sent a truck with some of his products, plus other things, and we really have to big him up for that," said Whyte.

The grooms were provided with food products manufactured by CAL's along with other food items that the company does not produce.

Challenging times

"Cal's is a company that is always looking out for persons. It is only fitting at this time to give back because a lot of persons are going through challenging times, and these are some of the persons who support us, so we decided to put together some care packages if it is even to cook for two days," said Carol Ivy, promotions manager at Cal's.

Former jockey-turned-groom Cedric Hardware says the gesture is well received, and he is hoping that other corporate companies will come on board and do something similar to assist the grooms.

"This is very much appreciated, and I want to thank Cal's for this. Whatever we get, we must appreciate because I get a lot of stuff that, maybe, can serve me for a whole week, and I have to give thanks because I didn't have to buy it," Hardware said.

President of the United Trainers Association Ryan Derby spoke on behalf of some of his grooms, who also received care packages.

"Any gesture of goodwill will be appreciated. It's even more commendable that Mr Watson has gone out of his way to give away products that they don't sell to make the package complete," said Darby.

The grooms of Caymanas Park are just one of a few groups that have benefited from the care packages donated by Cal's. The company has also provided care packages for residents of Corn Piece and Bull Bay who were quarantined during the coronavirus lockdown.

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