University Marketing & Communications Office
The University of the West Indies

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TRIBUTES AND HONOURS

UWI Toronto Fundraising Gala

On April 26, 2025, under the chandeliers of Toronto’s Ritz-Carlton, the 16th Annual UWI Toronto Benefit Awards unfurled a night brimming with hope, purpose, and Caribbean flair. Nearly 500 guests gathered in black-tie splendour, ignited by a shared belief in the transformative power of education. Themed “Bridging the Gap,” the evening raised a record- breaking $460,000, fuelling scholarships that open doors for aspiring students across the Caribbean. “Education is a powerful bridge that spans the divide between poverty and empowerment,” declared Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Co-Patron, capturing the night’s spirit of upliftment and unity. Student voices rang loudest—scholarship recipients Christina and Lianne Williams moved the crowd with stories of dreams realised and barriers overcome. The night soared on musical heights, too, with Tessanne Chin’s electrifying performance and a spirited live auction, all forging unforgettable memories and a legacy of giving.

The 2025 honourees included:

Luminary Award

  • Dr Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) - Multi-platinum rapper, Def Jam A&R, Canada’s Got Talent judge;
  • G. Raymond Chang Award: Myron and Berna Garron - Philanthropists for paediatric and Canadian healthcare;
    • Vice-Chancellor’s Award

      • Dr Mark Beckles, President & CEO, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada)
      • Ms Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission
      • Ms Leslie Woo, CEO, CivicAction; Founder of shebuildscities.org

      Chancellor’s Award

      • Onyx Initiative – Organisation addressing the Black employment gap in corporate Canada