Eddie J. Grant, Freelance Writer
At the recent fund-raising brunch hosted by the Jamaica Visionaries Association, CFTO-TV reporter, Karlene Nation, (second right) joins (from left) Ken Laing, Blondel Evans and Del Cunningham.
TORONTO: A TORONTO organisation, Jamaica Visionaries Association Inc., hosted one of its largest fund-raising brunches at Club Paradise recently.
The organisation was formed five years ago with the purpose of equipping schools, hospitals and libraries in Jamaica, which are in desperate need. So far it is accomplishing its mission, but still need a lot of support.
At the brunch, president of the organisation, Del Cunningham, told the capacity audience about what her group had achieved in its determination to donate much needed supplies to her homeland.
She said from 1996 to the present more than $8 million worth of medical supplies and hospital equipment had been donated to several institutions across Jamaica. Among them was the Port Antonio Hospital which got 25 beds, 35 mattresses, 6 wheel chairs, 3 stretchers, office furniture, bedpans and toys for the kids.
Other institutions that have received substantial donations are the Port Antonio Infirmary, Fellowship Junior High School, Falmouth Hospital, Lucea Hospital, Cornwall Hospital and a boys' home in Savanna-la-mar.
The brunch, she explained, was hosted to raise funds to pay off an outstanding debt to the trailer-company which shipped the equipment to Jamaica.
CFTO-TV reporter, Karlene Nation, who gave the keynote address, praised the group for its voluntary service.
"Most of us", she said, "still have relatives in Jamaica and, therefore, we should give the organisation our wholehearted support."
Star of the entertainment segment was ace comedian Norman 'Sabu' Grant, who had the audience rolling with laughter.
Other performers included Arlene Richards, who also acted as MC for the event; singers Alanna Stuart and Erica Brown and Dr. Harry Haughton, who delighted the audience with renditions of works by Louise Bennett.
Contributed
