“It takes a community to save a child!” The Caribbean Children Foundation celebrates 22 years of service

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Falling temperatures are the tell tale that autumn had arrived, but on Saturday, November 5^th, 2022 the evening was balmy, and warm, the perfect weather to celebrate the 22^nd, Anniversary of The Caribbean Children Foundation.

Jay Brijpaul and his committed team of volunteers pulled out all the stops for their first in person Gala since the pandemic, and when I pulled up to Woodbine Banquet Hall, I was reminded that you can always count on two things from a TCCF Gala: A-list members of the Caribbean community dressed to the tee, and a night full of purposeful, light-hearted fun.

Wait; did I forget to mention the mouth-watering entrees, and lavish dining experience? I digress…

In case you haven’t heard about this prestigious event, let’s get you caught up. Founded in 2000, The Caribbean Children Foundation’s main objective is to help children from the Caribbean with the most precious gift – the gift of life.

In 22 year over 310 surgeries have been performed for families living in the Caribbean, and over $1.5 million dollars has been raised by the foundation to pay for these surgeries. TCCF has developed enduring partnerships with three international partners: The Herbie Foundation, International Children’s Heart Foundation/BabyHeart, and Spine Hope.

Over the years, the community’s generous donations have continued to fulfill a partnering program with Sick Kids Hospital. Healthier Children, A Better World supports children with access to specialized health care. Through this partnership, TCCF has been able to care for children from: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Guyana and St. Vincent. United, they have improved the quality of life for children who have received treatment form paediatric specialists in: General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Cardiovascular and Plastic Surgery at SickKids Hospital.

Yours truly, was given the honoured title of hostess for the evening, and I made sure to keep the guests happy and energized. The night started with the beautiful songstress Mrs.Chopra radio and TV host at Bollywood mix. This was followed up with a motivating speech delivered by Raynier Maharaj a well-known international journalist based in Toronto, and one of the founders of The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF).

Jay Brijpaul, President of TCCF, welcomed guests, and reminded us all that “It takes a community to raise a child, and TCCF believes that it takes a community to save a child.” Jay also took time to acknowledge his amazing team, a team who volunteers their time to move the cause forward. They include:

• KRISHNA BRIJPAUL
  External Liaison

• KUMAR SINGH
  Secretary

• RADHEEKA DAVIE
  Assistant Secretary

• DOODIE ROSS
  Fundraising

• HARRIPAUL BRIDGEMOHAN
  Treasurer

• VIC RAMSAMUJH
  Asst Treasurer

• GRANT BROWNING
  Public Relations

• TRISH BROWNING
  Strategic Planner

• KAWALE OJHA
  Community Liaison

• RAJIV PERSAUD
  Community Liaison

• ANDREW HILTON
  Community Liaison

• DONNA RICHMOND
  Community Liaison

• AMIT KANHAI
  Fundraising

• Adil kotadia
  Website/Design

• subhashini Ramsamujh
  Inspire2Act Rep.

At the end of his guest welcome, Jay took a moment to recognize friends (organizations and businesses) who donate to the TCCF every year.

Moving presentations were delivered by:  Dr. Propst is a Staff Otolaryngologist – Head & Neck Surgeon at The Hospital for Sick Children, and Associate Professor, University of Toronto, Canada; Aimee Pastor, Senior Manager for the International Patient Program at The Hospital for Sick Children, and Katie McHugh-Escobar, Director of Community Partnerships at SickKids. Their powerful messages were ones of hope; reminders that the combined efforts of the community had given a new opportunity to so many children who had no hope.

The energy in the room was lightened as guests were delightfully entertained by three incredibly, talented dancers: Anjalie, Latchmi and Stephanie Jhodhan, and Dj Philip kept the crown moving with each song he dropped.

We have not received the donation totals from the night yet, but as soon as we do, we will be sure to share an update with our readers.

Motivating messages, delectable dishes, top shelf spirits, and chutney; what an excellent night it was; I am definitely looking forward to next year’s gala, and if you would like to donate it is not too late. All donations can be made to https://tccfangels.com/donate-now/