Hanover Charities is again making waves with its impactful projects, benefiting thousands across Western Jamaica. According to the Jamaica Observer, the nonprofit, led by Chairwoman Katrin Casserly, is gearing up for an even more ambitious 2025 following last year’s record donation of over $125 million, the funds supported various initiatives, including scholarships, soup kitchens, and supplies for schools and communities.
A highlight of their plans is the revival of a breakfast feeding program for primary schools in Hanover, suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking about the initiative, Casserly said:
“This is something we want to start, in addition to all our other projects, which we will continue running because those have now become part of us.”
These life-changing projects are funded by Hanover Charities’ annual Sugar Cane Ball, held at the iconic Round Hill Hotel & Villas. This year’s event, “An Evening in Old Havana,” will take place on February 15, 2025, with additional support from the Hanover Charities & Chukka Foundation Polo Match on February 16.
Education, food, and hope: Hanover Charities lifelong impact
Education remains at the core of Hanover Charities’ mission. Last year alone, 219 students received $37 million in scholarships, enabling them to pursue medicine, law, engineering, and social work studies, recipients are encouraged to give back to their communities upon completing their education.
Soup kitchens are another cornerstone of the charity’s work. Last year, Hanover Charities expanded this initiative by funding two additional kitchens in New Milns and Hopewell, joining the existing Kitchen of Love in Lucea, thanks to dedicated volunteers from local churches, these kitchens now serve over 1,000 meals weekly.
One of their signature projects, Container of Love, provided much-needed resources to the Westhaven Children’s Home and Lucea Infirmary, including mattresses, clothing, and sanitary supplies. Schools also benefited, with Dalmally Basic School receiving new classroom furniture and Hopewell High gaining a $500,000 grant to transform a container into an auto mechanic classroom.
Ryan Pusey, principal of Cave Valley Primary School, praised the organization’s unwavering support:
“Hanover Charities is one of the best things ever happening to my school. Mrs Casserly is a gem to Hanover schools, our latest donation is a half-million-dollar copier, and she has even outfitted a container to host a parent homework center, so I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Similarly, Hopewell High’s Acting Principal, Leroy Gordon, expressed gratitude for the soon-to-be-completed auto mechanic classroom, made possible by Hanover Charities’ generous funding.
“We are in the final phase of finishing the construction now, and the intention is for it to be used as an auto mechanic area. It’s in the final stages now, but it’s good, we wouldn’t have gotten this far without the donation.”
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How the Sugar Cane Ball powers community transformation
The Sugar Cane Ball, the lifeblood of Hanover Charities, has helped fund transformative projects for years. The proceeds have enabled the organization to grow its reach and support thousands of people across the parish.
 Last year, funds supported numerous programs, including scholarships, soup kitchens, and school infrastructural improvements. Katrin Casserly reflected on the charity’s journey and the meaningful impact it has on people’s lives:
“Oh gosh! I am thrilled and humbled by the donations we deliver every year, we stay true to our commitment and assist in terms of what we promise. The HC projects touch thousands, and we feed 1,000 people every week, it’s a great effort.”
As the charity looks to the future, its focus remains on empowering communities through education, food security, and sustainable development. The upcoming Sugar Cane Ball will be critical in ensuring Hanover Charities remains a pillar of hope and support in Western Jamaica.