Sistren receives donation, Dr. Barbara Matalon addresses YOU

On March 28, 2013, the Canadian Women's Club was a generous donor to Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a non-profit organization that works with at-risk youth from Kingston's inner-cities. The CWC donated enough funds to cover the provision of food for an event hosted at the Liguanea Club. In attendance was Dr. Barbara Matalon, who addressed the crowd, which included students and faculty from Western Carolina University in the U.S., Mountain View residents and others associated with YOU. Without the CWC's donation, the event would not have occurred.

The first picture shows Dr. Erin MacLeod and Dr. Barbara Matalon donating a printer/scanner and materials to the Sistren Club. The CWC bought these new items for this non-profit organization that uses the performing arts as an outlet for underprivileged and abused women.

Spring into Fashion!

The Canadian Women's Club will hold its Spring into Fashion Show on Sunday, April 14 at 4:30 pm. Canadian High Commissioner Mr. Robert Ready has kindly agreed to host this wonderful event on the grounds of the official residence, which is located at 14 Seymour Avenue.

Designers will include SOHO, Elaine's Elegance, Annie Lopez, St. Gillians, Elan, Lubica and Carlton Brown. Hats will be designed by Cinderalla and fascinators by White Lotus Designs. Jewelry will be showcased by Megan Allison and The Wanderer.

Special guest models will include Senator Imani Duncan Price, Miss Jamaica World 50 Deanna Robins and Miss Jamaica Model 2011 Adrianna Bryan.

Tickets are $1,500 and are available at participating fashion houses, CPJ Market (71 Lady Musgrave), Chronicles (Upper Manor Park) and Canadian Women's Club members.

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mr. Robert Ready, addresses the CWC

This morning, at the regular meeting of the CWC, we received a visit from the new High Commissioner, Mr. Robert Ready, who arrived in Jamaica last fall. 

Mr. Ready took time out of a busy schedule to speak with us and indicated a willingness to work with the CWC and Canadians in Kingston in general. He also remarked upon a situation that is on a lot of people’s minds today: the looming IMF deal. IMF officials are in Kingston right now, trying to hammer out the conditions Jamaica must meet to receive a new round of funding. Jamaica is in some dire financial straits: its debt is currently 140 per cent of its GDP, something like $1.7 trillion. The Prime Minister gave an unprecedented national address last night with Finance Minister Peter Paulwell, during which she admitted that Jamaica faces a “dismal future” if the debt situation is not resolved. Apparently, the police were on high alert last night as the nation watched the address.

In terms of Canada’s role , Mr. Ready said that it will continue to be a friend and partner to Jamaica as it faces this difficult situation. He also said that while it is a pretty serious situation, he expects a deal will be reached. “That’s when the hard work really begins,” he said, adding that Canada will provide technical, moral and financial support.

The CWC is planning its annual fashion show, and Mr. Ready said we can again host the event on the grounds of his residence. Now, we have lots of planning to do to for this wonderful fundraising event. 

Thanks Mr. Ready for your time today and welcome to Jamaica.

Visit to Bustamante Children's Hospital's Burn Unit

Last December, just before Christmas, a group of CWC members visited the Bustamante Children's Hospital. They went bearing gift bags, but first, the children were served ice cream, cake and juice. They were then treated to a performance by a magician and a balloon man. The children were delighted and compared to the previous year's event, this time was infinitely better-organized. In attendance were Barbara Matalon, Marlene Fulford, Britta Spiring, Brianna Strumm, Erin MacLeod and Barbara's granddaughter and friend. Enjoy the pictures below.