Igniting souls and pushing limits. Local business joins forces in support of TCCF

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

It has been a tremendously impressive year for organizations in the Toronto Caribbean community, and one organization has definitely made their mark locally and globally. The Caribbean Children Foundation (an organization voluntarily run by local members of the Caribbean community here in Toronto) has had a powerful year. This year, the foundation run by philanthropist Jay Brijpaul, have successfully recreated their brand, and by doing so, have extended their connections into other communities in Toronto.

TCCF has hosted and been a part of at least four major fundraisers this year, and most recently, eight members received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for the incredible work they have done supporting children and their families in the Caribbean. Let us catch you up on what you might have missed:

• Love and Hearts: TCCF Valentine’s Day Gala (Edition – February 20^th, 2019)
• TCCF Presents Donation at the 40^th Anniversary of the Herbie Fund (Edition – May 30^th, 2019)
• Putting the word fun into fundraising; The 16^th Annual TCCF Boat Cruise (Edition – July 11^th, 2019)
• Toronto Caribbean Newspaper brings TCCF to the Larger Community (Edition – October 15^th, 2019)
• Earthly Angels; efficacious eight members of TCCF receive Ontario Volunteer Service Award (Edition – December 9^th, 2019)

TCCF has always received substantial support from the Caribbean community, and on Saturday, December 14^th, 2019, I had an opportunity to engage with individuals who share the same vision as TCCF. The majority of us want to feel like our lives have some type of meaning. Like we are making a positive difference in this world. Several studies have shown that helping others can boost our sense of happiness. Regardless of their reason for doing so, Zvika Shluper (Managing Partner at OZ Capital), and his wife Romina Shluper (Owner of Inner G Fitness) have become active contributors and are now working alongside TCCF to raise funds for families supported by the foundation.

I first met Romina and Zvika at the TCCF’s 19^th Annual Angel Gala. It was there that I learned about their passion for helping others. During my time at the Gala, I learned that for the both of them, helping others is their secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful. It is why when they invited me to be part of a fundraiser that was being held at Inner G Fitness, it was a no brainer.

 “I take a lot of joy in giving back and I intend to continue this tradition for years to come.” Zvika Shluper

Partners at OZ Capital, and the team at Inner G Fitness creatively came up with a fantastic idea to raise money. How? They held three consecutive fitness classes that were offered to the public free of charge. Each class was 45 minutes long, and the turn out was incredible. Donations from the event would be split between two charities: TCCF and a foundation of their choosing that assisted women going through breast cancer. But first, who is OZ Capital, and what exactly is Inner G Fitness?

Zvika Shluper is just one of the partners at OZ Capital, a multifaceted mortgage brokerage that helps clients alleviate their financial stresses. The team at OZ provide professional advice and on-going education to help individuals continue to build their personal wealth, as well as learn how to leverage home ownership and real estate investments.

His beautiful and high-energy wife Romina is the powerhouse behind Inner G Fitness, an upscale fitness studio located in Thornhill at 411 Confederation Pkwy Unit 11. She has created a space of openness and inclusivity, and her mission is to shape lives, and to inspire the community to level up and play big. She believes that strong minds come first, and strong bodies second. Our strength. It comes from within, and her aim is to show people that there are no limits to what is attainable. We all have the ability to push our limits and demolish our comfort zones.

I don’t know why I thought I could handle this, but I made my way there that rainy Saturday morning, and learned just how out of shape my body was. It was a no mercy, high energy, circuit class that was led by Romina herself, and Dre (@thisyogilifts) a transformation and fitness coach who pushed me way past my limits.

After I peeled myself off the floor, and Romina had fed me her protein balls, I was finally able to have a talk with Zvika (aka Zee) about their choice to donate funds from the event to TCCF. “After Romina and I came to the Angels Gala, we saw that there was a definite need in the community. Helping people is who we are. We are dedicated to giving back and showing love anywhere and in any way that we can. We have already raised $750.00 for TCCF, and this is only the first class. We look forward to continuing our partnership and finding other ways that we can work with the Toronto Caribbean community.”

It is encouraging seeing communities working together to empower, encourage and uplift each other regardless of race, culture, or identity.