(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 18th, 2021): Health care workers were showered with gifts donated by private companies over recent weeks as part of a ‘Thankful Thursday’ initiative launched by InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital.

The initiative was launched on Thursday, February 25th, 2021, to complement the company’s ongoing staff welfare program, and encourage employees to express gratitude in various ways during the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected people’s lives and livelihoods. Thus far, three private companies have participated in the delivery of surprise items on a selected Thursday of the month.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa delivered nearly a dozen pizzas for each department at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on the initiative’s first day. InterHealth Canada purchased additional pizzas for the Cockburn Town Medical Centre to mark the occasion. The second corporate partner to demonstrate appreciation to health care workers was Graceway IGA that delivered large fresh fruit baskets for every department at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Thursday, March 4th, 2021. Edith Cox, Group Vice President of Graceway IGA, and Tamell Seymour, Graceway Smart Store Manager, distributed the surprise items.

Inpatients on the General Ward at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk received gift baskets stuffed with self-care items and food products as a bonus. Each employee at the medical centre also received a $10.00 gift certificate, courtesy of Graceway IGA.

Gilley’s Enterprise was the next company that gave back to nearly 300 employees of the health care facility on Thursday, March 11th, 2021. Every employee received a wrapped combo of its famous cake and Fiji water as a palette cleanser.

Health care workers have been working passionately and tirelessly to deliver services amid the pandemic. During ‘Thankful Thursday, ‘ staff are encouraged to show appreciation for their teams, encourage patients to live with gratitude amid their illness, and write down two things they are thankful for.

The hospital has expressed tremendous gratitude to the companies that have supported the occasion thus far with acts and words of kindness.

Chief Executive Officer at TCI Hospital, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant stated: “A heartfelt thanks to all of the private companies that have given so freely of their time and resources to encourage and recognise our team’s hard work and dedication. Representatives of the various companies have toured the hospital to thank employees for their service personally, and this level of support is invaluable. While this has undoubtedly been a challenging period, we need to remain positive and live with gratitude even in the face of adversity. Thankfulness is contagious, and it is hoped “Thankful Thursday” reminds us all to take a deep breath, live with gratitude and focus on the positives and give encouragement to each other, patients, families, and friends. “