Students at Caribbean Medical School UMHS design clever donation vehicle using supermarket rewards points – give proceeds to needy children on their host nation of St. Kitts

The dream for this initiative (EROC) is to be able to assist the basic, elementary and primary schools here in St. Kitts with providing healthy, hearty meals for students in an aim to embolden academic success

The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) Student Government Association (SGA) is on a mission to increase community outreach in their host nation of St. Kitts. As part of this mission, the “Each One Reach One Campaign” (EROC) was designed to raise money to feed local Kittitian children.

How does it work? On the island of St. Kitts, many grocery stores have a Rewards Number that customers can sign up for to earn points. These points can then be used towards purchasing food items. UMHS now has a Rewards Number (466 2043) at RAMS and Best Buy Supermarkets. Points accumulated by Medical students who use this number will take the form of food donations to children on St. Kitts.

Various clubs such as the UMHS African Students Association have periodically held fundraisers and contributed a portion of the funds to the Holy Catholic Preschool in the form of food. The initiative (EROC) was formed to address the need for a sustainable philanthropic vehicle to aid vulnerable populations on St Kitts. With this program, a continued chain of donations can be made through the support of our students.

As budding physicians, medical students are reminded daily of the importance of health, whether physical, mental or emotional. With this in mind, proper nutrition is vital to maximizing any student’s potential in the classroom, and encourages health in all facets of life.

“The dream for this initiative (EROC) is to be able to assist the basic, elementary and primary schools here in St. Kitts with providing healthy, hearty meals for students in an aim to embolden academic success,” says UMHS Student Government Association President Robertino Simpson.

The EROC campaign is aided by Dr. Mike Doherty as Faculty Adviser, and Mrs. Lorraine Brown and Cecilia France as Administrative Support. These individuals have played a key role in the development of the program and will prove to be vital to its success in the semesters that follow.

About UMHS:

The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) is a Caribbean medical school, founded in 2007, offering a Doctor of Medicine degree program. Students begin their basic science studies in St. Kitts, West Indies, and complete their clinical training in teaching hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. UMHS prides itself on its state-of-the-art campus, small class sizes, high student retention, and excellent USMLE passing rates.

For more information about UMHS, visitors should check out the University’s website or Caribbean medical school blog: the UMHS Endeavour. Prospective students, advisors and faculty can call toll free at 866-686-0380