Downturn Didn’t Stop BTC Donations

In its 2008 Annual Report released yesterday, BTC revealed that it has donated nearly $750,000 in donations to some 148 organizations or events despite its $3.5 million dollar decline in revenues since 2007.

Last year the company placed the majority of its focus on youth development, sports and culture through performing and visual arts, and law enforcement.

According to the annual report, BTC’s charitable efforts ranged from the smallest of donations to significant contributions, which have positively affected thousands of lives.

The telecommunications company said it does not limit its donations to New Providence, and has reached out to many of the Family Islands, including Long Island, Exuma, Inagua, Cat Island, San Salvador and Abaco.

Some of BTC’s major community projects in 2008 were the donation of the Halsbury Chambers Free Legal Clinic in Exuma, the second annual blood drive in New Providence, which collected 336 pints of blood and sponsoring the Grand Bahama Red Cross for a summer youth camp.

BTC also displayed its commitment to community and selflessness last year when it cut down on its holiday function spending to assist members of the community.

"Sensitive to the economic situation in the country and internationally, in December the company scaled back on its annual staff Christmas celebrations around the islands, donating a share of the funds saved to charities to support those less fortunate," the report stated.

BTC’s impact on sports and culture in the community is the most evident.

The company has contributed to several sporting events and has made donations to many sports organizations throughout the country.

One of the most significant contributions to sports has been the company’s $50,000 sponsorship of Bahamian athletes to attend CARIFTA and the Olympics with their coaches and support team.

In the annual report BTC recognized itself as the corporate entity "most committed" to the community.

"Excluding scholarship foundations, it is likely that no corporate entity in The Bahamas matches BTC’s understanding of the need to strengthen ties within the community it serves by backing the events and moments that bring communities together," the report said.

"That’s community. That’s commitment."