IATF Hearts and Minds Programme named ‘Charity of

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The Police Service’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Hearts and Minds Programme was yesterday named “Charity of Choice” during Guardian Group’s 2025 SHINE 5K and 10K charity cheque distribution event at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Westmoorings.

Guardian Group head of marketing and communications, Ayesha Boucaud-Claxton, said the group learned about the TTPS programme through its collaboration with former national goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

In October last year, the Guardian Group had partnered with Hislop to provide sporting gear to deserving young people in communities across the country.

“He has a charity which we supported in giving back gently used football boots and football items that he would have sourced through his charity from the United States. And when he came to us about it, and he said he wanted to work with this programme, Hearts and Minds,” Boucaud-Claxton said at the cheque distribution ceremony.

She later told Guardian Media that Hearts and Minds aligns with the group’s purpose.

“And these police officers give of themselves. And we just couldn’t ignore that. So we have developed a relationship with Hearts and Minds as a company, a regional company, a huge financial company … We can’t ignore these things. So we joined in with Hearts and Minds, and they are our charity of choice for Shine,” she elaborated.

Thirty charities received donations from the proceeds of this year’s 10K and 5K walk and run, which was held at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair on November 29. A total of $780,000 was raised from the event, the highest in SHINE’s history.

“These funds will help strengthen programmes, expand services and open new doors of opportunity for children who need it most,” she said.

Boucaud-Claxton said since its inception in 2015, SHINE has generated over $4 million in donations. These funds have supported over 200 charities and positively impacted the lives of more than 20,000 children across T&T.

Some of the charities that benefited from contributions were Rainbow Rescue, St Dominic’s Children’s Home, St Mary’s Children’s Home, the Just Because Foundation, the Dyslexia Association, Audrey Jeffers School for the Deaf, and the Autism Support Network.

Autism Support Network head, Dr Radica Mahase, said the Guardian Group’s contribution is a reminder that corporate sponsors play a vital role in building a more compassionate, inclusive T&T.

“Thank you for standing with us and helping our autistic children and adults shine! Your support gives us the extra drive to do our valuable work,” Mahase said.

Boucaud-Claxton said they are the very heart of the mission.

“Through your work, you offer safety, guidance, education, counselling, and hope to children who need it most. This calling requires patience, courage, and a depth of compassion that cannot be taught. Day after day, you show up, often quietly, often without recognition, turning uncertainty into possibility and giving children not just support, but belief in themselves. Because of you, lives are changed, confidence is restored, and brighter paths are opened for the next generation,” she said.

Boucaud-Claxton said the funds are distributed via a tier system of a minimum of $10,000 to as much as $80,000.

“Every year, it varies depending on how many funds are raised. And it’s based on the volume of work, the number of children within the charities to make sure there’s an equitable ratio of support,” she added.

Also from the proceeds, the group has set aside Jamaica $2.3 million (TT$96,000) to assist a children’s charity in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, but they are yet to select one.