Thousands collected in cent drive

THE NATIONAL ONE cent drive on Friday collected more than $16 000 (1.6 million cents), reports the Central Bank of Barbados.The drive, part of the Central Bank/Barbados Alzheimer’s Association/Rotary Clubs of Barbados Make Sense Out Of Cents initiative, took place in Heroes Square where scores of people showed up with bags, boxes and coolers full of cents.The goal of the six-month initiative is to raise five million cents which will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association to assist with the construction of a day care centre for sufferers of the disease.In a Press release, the Central Bank stated that Barbadians had donated an estimated 1 652 000 cents on Friday. The release quoted public affairs officer at the bank, Novaline Brewster, as describing the drive as “simply overwhelming and a demonstration that Barbadians are a very caring people”. “I would wish, on behalf of the [Central] Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association and Rotary, to thank everyone who donated their cents. The response surpassed our expectations and we are eternally grateful,” Brewster stated.  (PR/CA)