Digicel on Wednesday donated $1.5 million from the proceeds of the Rising Stars concert to the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, to assist in the rebuilding efforts after a fire razed several buildings at the institution last month.

The Sir John Golding Centre, which began operations in 1954 after the deadly polio outbreak in Jamaica, now operates a 75-bed hospital, while maintaining an outpatient service in addition to its regular rehabilitation and health care services.

"A number of people have been affected by the fire, and we felt compelled to assist in the restoration of such an important institution, which has been providing first-class health care to Jamaicans for so many years," said Paula Pinnock-MacLeod, Digicel marketing project manager.

Hazel Waite, chief executive officer of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, expressed gratitude for the donation. She said: "With all our patients and staff safe, we assessed the damage only to realise that it was significant, running in the millions. Digicel's donation has given us a huge push as we look to start the rebuilding process. We all can now breathe a collective sigh of relief."

Following the presentation, the Digicel Rising Stars finalists, Nickiesha Barnes and One Third, delivered commanding performances for the patients.

A television feature on the centre will be aired during Friday's final results show of the Digicel Rising Stars competition, to drum up support from the show's fans for the rebuilding efforts.

The September 18 fire gutted several sections of the institution, including a workshop that provides jobs for ex-patients of the centre.