BY EMILY SINGH
After three days of amazing food, entertainment and good vibes it is safe to say that CariVaughan 2015 was a huge success. Running from August 21st to August 23rd this three-day extravaganza gave the city of Vaughan a little taste of the Caribbean. Woodbridge Fairgrounds came alive as Caribbean art and culture took center stage. The first day featured “A Taste of the Tropics” where guests enjoyed mouth-watering dishes from the Caribbean and Latin America. The excitement didn’t end there, it continued on with the CariVaughan Launch Party.
Day two was jam packed with games and entertainment. The talented Jade Faith and K.I Persad took the stage showcasing some of the amazing talents to have come out of the Caribbean. Under the “Rum Shack” attendees were able to taste an assortment of Caribbean rums, each with their own kick and unique distinction. Other fun family events included a beach volleyball tournament and a special family group game. The festival ended on a high with paint flying and smiles all around at the J’ouvert Play Day.
CariVaughan was meant to be an event to showcase the vibrancy and beauty of the Caribbean to the wonderful city of Vaughan, Ontario. However, there is such a powerful motivation behind this initiative and that is supporting Sickle Cell Disease. The money raised through these events go towards funding research and awareness about the disease. The end goal is to raise 1.5 million for a special Comprehensive Care Centre wing in a local hospital for those battling sickle cell disease. This is especially important because it will be the very first of its kind here in Canada. Through purchasing a CariVaughan baseball cap, t- shirt, children’s picture book or island lanyard you can help bring the dream of the Comprehensive Care Centre closer to a reality.
Next year bring the entire family out to support this worthy cause and enjoy all the wonderful things the Caribbean has to offer.
