Kay-Ann McKenzie (right) second place winner in the Make-Up category of the JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL) Barber and Beauty Battle smiles as she receives a replica of her prize money from Keisha Bent, Senior Manager, Finance at JNSBL. The JNSBL Barber and Beauty Battle was held in April.
For some competition winners, donating a portion of their prize money towards the medical expenses for someone else is not the first thing that comes to mind, after their win!
However, for makeup artist Kay-Ann McKenzie, that was the first thing she thought about when she won the second place in the Makeup Category of the JN Small Business Loans Barber & Beauty Battle in April.
Miss McKenzie who has been in the makeup business for ten years, placed second behind Shaphawa Hylton and ahead of Nicola Johnson; and won a cash prize of $70,000. And, from her reward she has donated funds to underwrite the cost for a chemotherapy session, for the church sister of a friend, who is undergoing treatment.
“I learned of my church sister’s friend and her undergoing treatment for cancer from a close friend, fellow makeup artist Narda Simpson and I was truly touched,” Miss McKenzie stated. “Therefore, after I won in the JNSBL Barber and Beauty Expo, I decided that I would donate a part of my winnings to assist with her expenses.”
She wanted to be altruistic, particularly after she learned about the cost of chemotherapy.
“I am all for helping because of the heartwarming feeling that I get from assisting others. Therefore, once I received the award, I took out a portion to donate to her. I know chemotherapy is expensive and my contribution may be small, I felt I had to play my part to assist,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Gillian Hyde, General Manager of JNSBL lauded McKenzie for her altruism stating that her actions were worthy and should be emulated.
“Her action indicates a degree of selflessness, which we should all appreciate. I am truly proud of her and wish her church sister’s friend a speedy recovery,” Mrs. Hyde added, indicating that JN Small Business Loans would also make a contribution to support Kay-Ann’s caring initiative.
Miss McKenzie thanked JN Small Business Loans for its support, and said, “I try to be there to lend a helping hand, because I believe there is no greater reward than being your brother’s keeper.”
