ESSO Helps Diabetes Foundation and Association

The Barbados Diabetes Foundation, the Diabetes Association of Barbados and ESSO have committed to a joint project which seeks to reduce the high rate of diabetes related amputations in Barbados.

The project is to be funded by the newly launched ESSO Help Us Help Campaign. ESSO Country Manager, Mr. Cally Boyea, in commenting on the initiative, expressed the hope that the association between the Barbados Diabetes Foundation and the Diabetes Association of Barbados will lead to the development of an effective preventive programme of foot care and herald a marked reduction in the number of amputations, which I am told currently stands at approximately 200 per annum.

Under this programme, six cents for every gallon of diesel and gasoline sold between November 14, 2009 (World Diabetes Day) and January 16, 2010 at all ESSO service stations, will go towards the Diabetes Limb Salvage Fund. "Based on anticipated fuel sales for this two-month period, we are projecting a total combination of approximately $100,000 to go towards the Fund he said.

Chairman of the Diabetes Foundation, Dr. Oscar Jordan congratulated ESSO and its dealers on becoming the newest partners in the drive to stimulate diabetes education and awareness. He expressed the organisations commitment to raising diabetes awareness by offering blood tests and educational information to ESSO customers.

Jordan at the same time encouraged Barbadians to visit the ESSO stations and support the project. The free blood testing and information dissemination will be given at the stations from 10am to 1pm on the following days: Esso Black Rock: Tuesday Dec. 1; Esso Paynes Bay: Friday Dec. 4; Esso Holborn: Wed Dec. 9; Esso Oistins: Thursday Dec. 17; Esso Tweedside Road: Tuesday Dec. 22; Esso Hastings: Wednesday Dec. 30; Esso Barbarees Hill: Friday Jan. 8; and Esso Culloden Road: Thursday Jan. 14.