The old adage "sharing is caring" is something that many Jamaicans truly abide by and embodies.

Bert Tomlinson, Founder and CEO of Bert’s Auto Parts is no different and so he felt it only fitting that they demonstrate good corporate social responsibility with one simple act of kindness that has now created an endless ripple.

From assisting to build a house for former national football star Miguel Blair in 2021, to launching the Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation which presents grants and scholarships to outstanding PEP students, Tomlinson's philanthropic efforts, much like his business, is now soaring to new heights.

Through his latest initiative, a 5K Run, Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation is intent on raising funds to benefit the Food for the Poor Housing Project. The Run scheduled for October 1 at Emancipation Park, is seeking to raise approximately US$49,000 (about $8 million Jamaica) to build 10 houses.

Under the theme “Build with Bert’s” Waynette Strachan, marketing manager at Bert’s Auto Parts, explained that the inaugural 5K represents a committed effort to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in need.

"We saw the profound impact of one mission that we did with Food for the Poor and so we thought to ourselves that while we establish our foundation in our 35th year, we want to multiply that impact to help families in need through Food for the Poor houses,” Strachan told journalists during a launch at their Molynes Road base on Tuesday.

“So, people would know us for auto parts and our celebrating 35 years is possible because of the support of our customers and so it's our way of giving back to Jamaica. It is because of the support of our customers why Bert's is where it is at today and so we feel like it's only right that we serve our country through our corporate philanthropic effort which you are seeing now. So, we have always been doing this, we just didn't highlight it and so what you are seeing now is merely press being added to what we are doing.

“We intend to spread the love across Jamaica, we don't have any locations for the houses as yet, but our able partner Food for the Poor will assist because we want to ensure that it benefits those who need it the most,” she added.

Despite building over 36,000 houses for Jamaicans in need over the years, Food for the Poor’s Executive Director, Craig Moss-Solomon said there is always room for much more, which is why he welcomes Bert’s effort to add another 10 to the count.

The event is targeting a at least 3,000 participants.  Registration is open at Runningeventsja.com and the fee is $2,000.

“When Bert’s came back and said they want to do a 5K to raise money for 10 houses, it's 10 lives that we will be able to change and make their living conditions more comfortable. That is what we plan to do, change lives, so I am really happy that we are teaming up with Bert on this and we hope Jamaica will come out and support because it is for a great cause,” Moss-Solomon reasoned.

“I believe they will hit the target of 10, but I would be more than humble if it surpasses the 10 houses, I would love for that to happen. So, our message to Jamaica is just to come out and support and help us build back the love for Jamaica and build with Bert's,” he noted.