BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Elegant music plays softly throughout the lavish ballroom, tropical florals accenting the tables. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow as guests, dressed in glamorous evening attire, make their way through the grand entrance.

Prepare for a night like no other, a celebration of unity, excellence, and culture. Welcome The Caribbean Children Foundation’s 24^th Anniversary Angel Gala on Saturday November 9^th, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Woodbine Banquet Hall 30 Vice Regent Blvd, Etobicoke, ON). This gala is more than just an event; it’s a moment of recognition and empowerment for the Caribbean community. A place where philanthropy and community come together in style.

Expect to mingle with: leaders, influencers, and changemakers from across the Caribbean diaspora, all gathered under one roof to assist children in need from the Caribbean, suffering from life-threatening ailments for which no treatment is available in their country. As you can see, it’s not just about glitz and glam. This gala is a platform to support and give back. Proceeds from the night’s event will fund health services that directly impact Caribbean families and youth. Through solidarity, we continue to break barriers and build a stronger, thriving Caribbean community.

The Caribbean, a region renowned for its beauty, is also home to countless children facing immense challenges. Among these are debilitating spinal deformities and congenital heart disease conditions that often go untreated due to limited or nonexistent medical resources. These children, their families, and their communities suffer immeasurable physical, mental, emotional, and financial burdens. The prospect of a life marred by pain and disability is a heartbreaking reality for many.

To address this urgent need, TCCF has partnered with local healthcare providers to build capacity and ensure that these children receive the critical care they deserve. Through their efforts, they have been able to transform the lives of Caribbean teens suffering from severe spinal deformities. By providing access to specialized spine care in Canada, they have not only alleviated their physical suffering but have also given them hope for a brighter future. TCCF’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children extends beyond the immediate relief they provide; it is a testament to our belief in the power of compassion, and the transformative impact of quality healthcare.

“We are excited that our final event for 2024 will be on November 9^th, and we are proud to say that we have been able to treat 24 children in Guyana from April 2024 to August 2024. TCCF so far assisted 411 children up to date,” shared Jankie Dolaram, Vice President at The Caribbean Children Foundation.

Together, SpineHope and The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) have been able to change the lives of Caribbean children. “TCCF has gone above and beyond, and we admire their commitment to saving children’s lives! SpineHope is grateful for TCCF’s continued support, participation and generosity. We hope we can further our work together and, in the coming years, help more children in Guyana and the Caribbean who are in need of spine treatment,” shared Dawn Deakin (Executive Director, SpineHope)

At The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF), your donation makes a world of difference. By partnering with them, your organization sends a powerful message — you’re leading the charge in improving and even saving the lives of children. In recognition of your generous support, TCCF will proudly showcase your organization’s name and logo in our Anniversary Booklet/Magazine and on our website.

There are multiple opportunities to get involved, including sponsoring our annual events in Toronto and the GTA. With sponsorship levels ranging from Bronze to Signature, starting at just $500 and going up to over $5,000, there’s an option to fit every organization looking to invest in our Angel Kids. Depending on the level you choose, your sponsorship may include direct participation at our events or have your company’s logo featured on promotional materials like: brochures, event flyers, tickets, and their website.

They are inviting you to explore their corporate package and PowerPoint presentation at www.tccfangels.com, where you can also browse the Angel Kids gallery and learn more about their mission.

Looking for fundraising ideas? Consider donating in lieu of gifts for employees, customers, or suppliers, or hosting a charity sports tournament, engaging your network to support your fundraising campaign for the Angels. Additionally, through employee giving programs, the CRA allows companies to redirect charitable funds through payroll notifications.

Join us today in making an impact and be recognized as a leader in supporting children in need. Visit www.tccfangels.com to learn more. Don’t forget to secure your tickets by calling Vic 647-280-6712 or Jay 416-418-2745.

BY PAUL JUNOR

The release of African-Canadian school administrator Joan B. Williams’ book

“Character, Grit and Acknowledgement” in June 2024 will certainly make a difference in the lives of children of all ages.

The book is advertised as a “Collection of Empowering Poems,” designed to “Empower and inspire children of all ages.” In the introduction, the seasoned educator describes what motivated her to write the book. She writes, “I drew inspiration to write this book of poems on the themes of character, grit and acknowledgement from my years of teaching, observations of world events, and the experiences of raising my own children.” Furthermore, it “Aims to cultivate essential character-building skills while celebrating the beauty of inclusivity and diversity. Each poem is a beacon of encouragement, urging readers to embrace many positive themes such as resilience, compassion and the power of individuality.”

Family is especially important to Joan B. Williams as the book is dedicated to her deceased mother, husband, and children as well as dad, siblings, nieces, and nephews, as well as friends, prayer warriors and a circle of friends. With respect to her mother who passed away in 2020 she mentioned that it was her “Who instilled in me great resilience and continues to inspire me.” Her husband, Maurice, and children, DeJhaun and Alayne are highly praised. She thanked them “For believing in my dreams and visions, and for being patient and understanding, especially during those times when I was otherwise consumed with work.”

Mrs. Williams was born in Jamaica where she completed her: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. She began her teaching career in Turks & Caicos prior to migrating to Canada where she continued in the teaching profession. The students that she taught over the years have been a strong influence on her. She acknowledged her indebtedness to them for the many valuable lessons they have taught her over the years.

The book is divided into three sections: Character, Grit, and Acknowledgement with poems. It is mentioned that “The poems in this book are intended to inspire and can benefit nearly anyone. Be creative in how you use them. You may: read them for your own meditation and inspiration, speak them aloud, or even sing them as songs. However, you chose to engage them, seek meaning and maintain an open mindset for change.”

There are praises for the book by several individuals who highlight its importance. Errol Lee (author, singer, and songwriter) writes, “It’s truly a joyful read.” Dr. Balfour Spence (Professor) notes, “A major game-changer in assisting school guidance and others engaged in stimulating the mental health of children.” Pauline Christian (President of Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada) writes, ”A catalyst for positive change…for anyone committed to personal and social excellence.” Debi Lavine (retired elementary principal) states, “Equity and inclusion resonate throughout the poem.”

The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon as well as Indigo-Chapters.

BY STEVEN KASZAB

“I sat in the dark and thought, there will be no big apocalypse, just an endless procession of little ones.” Neil Gaiman

My daughter does not like watching movies that present an apocalyptic view of the future with sad endings, possible events that can affect one’s future or the future of humanity. Recently news was presented by scientists claiming that in about five billion years the sun will expand to become a red giant star that will consume: Mars, Venus and probably the Earth as well. Then the sun will shrink into a small white dwarf star as it dies (Scientific American). My daughter took the possibility of this happening as a sign. A sign to what (disaster), where (anyplace) and why (it’s bad news, who cares)?

Well have you ever heard of societies, or groups that talk about the end of the world as we know it? Apocalyptic and millenarian movements have existed for millennia giving those who have lost their taste for life a place to gather and discuss the end. My daughter is in no way like that, but the very opposite, determined to live her life to the fullest because you simply do not know when your time has come right?

Our fate seems to hinge on that of earths. Since many of us do not believe we can change the earth’s trajectory in any significant way, they pursue their lives in many ways, be it: nihilistic, selfish, or isolated from others. The very thought that the end can be upon us can psychologically affect others leading to depression, excessive fear of future loss, and most of all the realization that we individually have no control of the future and our world.

Threats to humanity 

• Natural resources are depleted, especially fresh water.
• Ecosystem collapsing, the biosphere at a loss.
• There are simply too many of us.
• Our water sources contaminated with chemicals and plastics.
• The death clock is too close to midnight.
• We may inadvertently damage our earth’s core causing disaster.
• Cosmic objects can cause our eventual demise.
• Climate change and mother nature’s wrath.

We cannot fathom what may happen, nor where and why it will happen. Sure, there are: warnings, loud bells ringing about climate change, natural disasters, war, and seemingly unending conflicts, but these have been with us for quite some time. Many of us have taken bad news for granted. The world is what it is right? Cosmic and global cataclysms are simply too big to ignore and often understand. You will notice in many movies that the authorities often do not tell the public that some horrible cosmic disaster is about to happen like a huge asteroid hitting earth, possibly killing us all in time. No news is often good news for the future victims of the end times.

There are people who ignore negativity, living on only: positive news, food, events, and things that build them up. Hurricanes are launching themselves at St. Petersburg presently, and the whole population is either on the run, or hankering down. They are used to the news that Mother Nature is about to make their lives miserable. You don’t want to experience hurricanes then move to Las Vegas, but get used to: droughts, gambling addictions and high crime stats. News affects us wherever it comes from, be it: movies, national announcements, or local news outlets. Tell a community a reformed sex offender has moved into the neighborhood and all hell breaks loose. Politicians living in Rosedale will initiate multiple self-injection sites, but just not in their neighborhood. News has the ability to assist listeners, or readers in forming their thoughts and reactions to the world.

Why did I start the letter with my daughter’s dislike of some movies? The government will not allow any movie to be introduced to the public unless it is approved for release. Is the government trying to prepare the public for tough times in the future? The advertising sector’s most industrious and generous clients are somehow affiliated with the government. Manipulating the public has been a cause celeb for a very long time, so prepare the public for the possible eventuality without letting them know the true facts. Preparation without any transparency, or accountability.

It could be the end of the world as you know it, but do you feel fine about it? It can happen at the blink of an eye or take its horrid time.