By Lincoln DePradine
The listing of Canadians, to be honoured at this yr’s Toronto Profit Awards of the College of the West Indies (UWI), is ethnically and professionally numerous.
Range in recipients all the time has been an indicator of the occasion, which is now in its sixteenth yr.
The awards’ ceremony combines as a fundraiser to assist the financing of educational scholarships for Caribbean college students at UWI, one of many world’s high universities. Because the inception of the occasion, 850 scholarships have been supplied.
The 2025 occasion’s theme is, “Bridging theGap”. Organizers say it “displays the UWI’s unwavering promise to Caribbean college students and their communities”.
“It is a proud evening for the Caribbean Diaspora and it does extra than simply bridge gaps; it builds and strengthens communities, uniting us in a shared imaginative and prescient of schooling, empowerment, and recognition of leaders and mentors who information the best way ahead,” stated Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, co-patron of the UWI Toronto Profit Awards.
Chin-Loy Chang’s co-patrons are Kevin and Ann-Marie Hibbert.
Iconic entertainer and producer Kardinal Offishall, who has a star onCanada’s Stroll of Fame, is considered one of eight to be acknowledged on the occasion in April.
Kardinal Offishall—actual identify Jason Drew Harrow—is a multi-platinum rapper, whose earlier awards have included the Allan Slaight Music Influence Honour, an annual recognition that celebrates the achievements of Canadian musicians which have used their voices and expertise to encourage and drive constructive impression within the music business.
On the UWI gala, Harrow will obtain the “Luminary Award”.
Different award recipients are Mark Beckles; Patricia DeGuire; Leslie Woo; husband and spouse Myron Garron and Berna Garron; and Wayne and Nigela Purboo.
The Onyx Initiative, a non-profit group that helps with the recruiting and hiring of Black faculty and college college students for jobs within the company sector, was based by Wayne and Nigela Purboo.
Their effort is being acknowledged with the presentation to them of the “Chancellor’s Award” at theUWI Toronto gala.
The Garrons, philanthropists who’ve contributed thousands and thousands to paediatric well being and healthcare establishments, are receiving the “G. Raymond Chang Award”.
“Vice Chancellor’s Awards” will probably be given to Mark Beckles, a RBC Royal Financial institution official and president & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Kids’s Fund (Canada); to Patricia DeGuire, a lawyer now serving as Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Fee; and to Leslie Woo, CEO at CivicAction, which is a civic engagement group.
Final yr’s UWI Toronto Profit Awards netted near $450,000.
Organizers predict to raised that quantity this yr with a program thatincludes performances from entertainers akin to Jamaican singer-songwriter Tessanne Chin; saxophonist Jesse Ryan; and Thunder Dome Sounds that includes Eddie Bullen, Quincy Bullen, Tré-Michael Bullen and Belinda Brady.
The annual Toronto occasion, in line with organizing officers, “has awarded greater than 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean college students. For the sixteenth consecutive yr, Scotiabank is the lead chair and sponsor. Major sponsors for this yr’s occasion are Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., the Hibbert Household Basis, BDO and the Raymond Chang Basis”.
The ceremony for the 2025 UWI Toronto Profit Awards is 5.30 pm, Saturday, April 26, Ritz-Carlton Resort, 181 Wellington Avenue.
Additional data is obtainable by calling 647-290-7610.
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