Healing Hands, Hope Renewed, Children Saved; TCCF’s 25th Anniversary Gala

The rhythmic beat of Caribbean music filled the Woodbine Banquet Hall last Saturday night, but beneath the celebration lay something deeper; a profound sense of purpose that has driven The Caribbean Children Foundation for 25 years. As someone who has volunteered with this organization, watching it grow from a small group of passionate individuals to a lifeline for hundreds of children, I felt both pride and humility.

“Together, we’ve come this far. Together, we’ll go even further.”

“Your presence helps us continue providing life-saving medical assistance for children who need it most,” President Jay Brijpaul told the elegantly dressed crowd, his voice thick with emotion. “Together, we’ve come this far. Together, we’ll go even further.”

Earlier in the evening, Jay Brijpaul did something radical: he named the invisible. One by one, the volunteers who have kept the Caribbean Children’s Foundation alive for twenty-five years rose from their seats. No salaries, no stipends, no glossy titles. Just ordinary community members. When nobody is paid, love becomes currency, and suddenly we all feel richer.

The evening unfolded centered on community, culture, and compassion. The Divinity Dance School performed twice, their movements had the audience spellbound, some wiping away tears as young dancers embodied the very spirit TCCF works to nurture in children facing life-threatening illnesses.

When Annie took the stage channeling Tina Turner, the room transformed. Her energy was infectious, her voice powerful yet tender. “She made everyone feel like she was their private dancer,” one guest whispered to me, perfectly capturing the intimate connection Annie forged with each person in the hall.

Dr. Rodrigo Soto’s keynote address struck a delicate balance between celebration and urgency. He spoke of the 478 children who have received treatment through TCCF since 2000 yet reminded us that many more still wait for help. His words hung in the air, heavy with responsibility and possibility.

The Honourable Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, brought moments of levity with his humour, but quickly turned serious when acknowledging TCCF’s impact. “This organization represents the best of who we are as Canadians,” he stated, “Reaching across borders to extend healing hands.”

“This organization represents the best of who we are as Canadians.”

What makes TCCF remarkable isn’t just what they do, but how they do it. Entirely volunteer-run, every donated dollar goes directly to helping children access specialized medical treatments unavailable in their home countries. The transparency of their operations has earned them not just the Spirit Award from The Herbie Foundation, but something more valuable; unwavering community trust.

As Kamla Sharma introduced Dr. Ronald Zukder and Dr. Mark Crawford from SickKids Hospital, along with Jennifer Bernard from Toronto SickKids Foundation, I was struck by the powerful partnerships TCCF has built. These collaborations amplify their impact, creating networks of care that span continents.

Later, performances by Telak Rambar and Chutnee Queen Drupatee Ramgoonai lifted spirits, reminding us of the vibrant cultures these children represent.

Twenty-five years ago, TCCF began as a dream, a vision of closing the gap between children in need and life-saving medical care. Today, that dream has transformed hundreds of lives.

The gala was a renewal of commitment. For 25 years, TCCF has proven that compassion, when organized and directed, can work miracles. The next chapter awaits, and with community support, it promises to be even more transformative than the last.

Jay offers a mirror. Reflect back the labour you have been walking past. Ask yourself: what becomes possible if I, too, volunteer the part of me that’s hardest to give: my time, my softness, my belief that a single dollar can still beat inside a child’s chest tomorrow?

With TCCF leading the way, that chance becomes more possible each day.