As the winds of change forever blow, we remain resolute and anchored in our commitment to celebrate excellence, hope and making dreams come true. In this our fourteenth year, we are proud and fortunate to be building on the outstanding success of the past thirteen years. We are forever grateful that you have all come along for this remarkable journey that punctuates joyful moments – enabling students across the Caribbean Region to keep dreaming, beyond their imagination, whilst learning the stories of Caribbean and global community leaders who themselves toiled to achieve their own dreams and aspirations.
On behalf of my co-patrons Mr. Andrew Chang, Ms. Brigette Chang, and honorary patron Dr. Wesley J. Hall, we look forward to once again sharing an evening with you at the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards on April 29, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a great tradition whose heartstrings carry the notes of our shared history, and the future our Caribbean students will compose. Under the 2023 theme – Beyond Our Imagination, you will see the full arc of dreams imagined and dreams realized – both for students, our honourees and you, our valued donors.
The past two and a half years have been horrendous, putting tremendous strain on the educational, financial, and healthcare sectors in the Caribbean. Registration is down as students have been struggling – oftentimes deciding between food, tuition, and books - day to day survival remains top priority. Much of this has led to severe frustration and mental health issues, for those who are already marginalized and desperate. We want to however assure students that – We have their back.
In 13 years, primarily because of your unwavering support, care and love, this event has been able to raise well needed funds for students and honour and celebrate community and global leaders. To date we have awarded 700 scholarships in all faculties at the University of the West Indies, honoured 100 individuals and institutions and raised over Three Million Canadian Dollars – a remarkable feat – that we have all been a part of.
Very special heartfelt thank you to Scotiabank, our Lead Chair and sponsor...your partnership has buoyed us beyond measure for these 13 years. Kingsdale Advisors, Sprott Inc. and the Ray Chang Foundation, your support and commitment are boundless, and we are ever grateful. To all our other sponsors – you have been a bedrock of encouragement and goodwill. Thank you all.
We wish also, to raise a toast and pay tribute to the University of the West Indies, which celebrates its diamond jubilee in 2023. In 75 years, this stellar university has given birth to hundreds of brilliant leaders across dozens of sectors, globally. Many have gone on to enrich the Caribbean Diasporas, Canada has certainly benefited greatly. As they raise the curtain to mark this momentous year they will stand firmly in their 75th celebration motto – Rooted Ready, Rising.
The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards is the largest Global fundraiser in Canada. As we begin meeting face to face once more, let us be mindful that supporting future generations of students will leave a footprint of generosity and kindness and a hand in helping to shape young people in the Caribbean – a Region with whom, Canadians have had a long and warm relationship.
For sponsorship, and donation information please click here. Should you have any questions, please contact Tracey Geddes at [email protected] or telephone: 416-214-7848.
Warmest regards.
Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang
Co-Patron