University of the West Indies (UWI) Scholarship Recipients to Benefit from $300,000 Raised
TORONTO – The University of the West Indies (UWI) raised approximately $300,000 at its second annual benefit gala in Toronto on March 26th. The gala honoured notable individuals who have made significant contributions to UWI and the Caribbean and Canadian communities.
Outstanding individuals who were honoured include: Donovan Bailey; Michael Lee-Chin; The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean; The Honourable Justice Dr. Irving Andre; Former Deputy Chief of Toronto police Keith L. Forde; Kamala-Jean Gopie; Dr. Karl Massiah and Dr. John Stewart.
Two organizations were also honoured including Ryerson University for its contribution to the advancement of Caribbean people through its joint programs with UWI, and GAP Adventures for its role in pushing the boundaries of sustainable travel.
The benefit was under the patronage of Dr. G. Raymond Chang, immediate past Chair of CI Financial, Chancellor of Ryerson University and himself, an honorary graduate of UWI. Proceeds from the Toronto gala will benefit students through the UWI Scholarship Fund and the UWI Haitian Initiative.
“The University is once again touched by the outpouring of support it received from the Canadian private and public sectors and the Caribbean Canadian community,” said Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement Division, The University of the West Indies. “We are thankful for the scholarships that the University will now be able to award to students from the proceeds of the event.”
Masters of Ceremonies Hamlin Grange and Valerie Pringle welcomed over 500 guests to a sold out event at the Four Seasons Hotel for an evening of celebrating excellence; connecting and reconnecting; music and live and silent auctions. The gala was filled with contagious spirit and overwhelming generosity.
“Through this gala we are all now united as one UWI family,” stated Gala Patron, Dr. G. Raymond Chang.
Find additional gala details at www.uwitorontogala.com
