The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) is currently celebrating 13 years of helping critically ill Caribbean children to get life-saving and life-altering medical help, and to mark the occasion, a special event was held Saturday at the Empire Banquet Hall in Toronto.
After mixing, mingling and enjoying a very tasty island-hopping style dinner buffet, TCCF’s president Jay Brijpaul, updated the packed banquet hall on the Foundation’s fund-raising activities and gave a brief history of TCCF, from its humble beginnings to its present status of being one of the most successful Caribbean charities, dedicated to helping the less fortunate children of the region.
Later in the evening, his real estate organization, The Brij Team REMAX west, also presented a check of Cdn$10,000 to TCCF.
‘Jay,’ as he is popularly known, reiterated that all of the funds collected go directly to the charity. There is no administration fee.
Since TCCF started in 2000, it has helped over 55 children get the care they need. During this time, the organisation has raised and paid out over Cdn$1 million towards the cause. Although their primary healthcare partner is the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, in the past, they have worked with a number of hospitals in Toronto, the USA and even Trinidad and Tobago, to get children to the care they require.
While she could not be present, the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, extended on behalf of the government of Ontario, warm greetings to everyone who attend the 13th Anniversary Angel Gala.
She took the opportunity too to express thanks to the evening’s generous sponsors and donors and, indicated her admiration for the team of devoted volunteers, who work tirelessly to help critically ill children in the English-speaking Caribbean get medical treatment in Canada.
In his address to the gathering, Director of SickKids International and Interim Director of the International Patient Program Raymond D. King, said SickKids was very enthusiastic about working in collaboration with TCCF for the advancement of children’s health in the Caribbean.
Children from countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Antigua have received specialized treatment in various medical specialties such as general surgery, orthopedics, urology, cardiology, ETN and plastic surgery.
Also addressing the guests were the Honourable Jean Augustine PC, CM-Fairness Commissioner of Ontario, Denise Herrera-Jackson, CEO of the Festival Management Committee and producer of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival and the Annual Gala to which TCCF is the beneficiary of this year’s fundraising. They both expressed their pride in being associated with TCCF and pledged their continued support for the selfless organization.
In her presentation, vice president of TCCF Jankie Dolaram, who is also the hospital liaison, thanked all supporters of the charity and conveyed the gratitude of the recipients, who have been helped over the years. Additionally, the Consuls General from Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago were present.
After the formalities, the guests were treated to a spectacular performance of flamenco dancing staged by the Compania Carmen Romero with a live show that included dance, cantes, and flamenco guitarists. The rest of the evening included the presentations of various certificates of appreciation, door prizes and raffle. The evening ended early in the morning with the guests dancing to music by DJ Arjune and D.A.G.
