TORONTO — Cloudy skies and ‘liquid sunshine’ didn’t deter supporters from coming out for the 15th annual Jam-Walk, kicking off this past weekend at Toronto’s iconic waterfront venue Palais Royale.
In laced-up running shoes, the 125+ participants, including representatives from the travel agent community and from Jam-Walk sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board, along with like-minded individuals, headed down the Martin Goodman Trail to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and back to show their support – all despite the rain.
“I would be remiss if I did not mention right away the Jamaica Tourist Board and all their travel agents and tour providers that are here and supporting us. We’re very grateful for you,” said Natasha Borota, event MC and manager for Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF).
A unique blend of fundraising and family fun, the Jam-Walk event offers participants a delightful brunch, refreshments, the beats of reggae music from DJ Ken and more.
This year’s unique touch, an energetic youth dance troupe performance by Clique Dance Studio, added to the fun.
The inaugural Denise Jones Legacy Award, new to the roster this year, was introduced to commemorate Jones’ memory as a founding member of HHJF, as well as to recognize individuals who are passionate about spreading positivity and knowledge about Caribbean culture in Canada. This year’s recipient was Exco Levi, a musician and five-time Juno award winner who has made significant contributions through music and philanthropy.
Now in its fifteenth year, the five-kilometre walk and brunch will support the HHJF in building its 27th school: Dumfries Infant/Primary School in St. James Parish, JA. With approximately a year in advance to get school-qualified, this one was a long time coming.
HHJF is aiming to raise a substantial amount of funds to build schools in under-resourced communities in Jamaica. These schools will have classrooms with age-appropriate furniture and essential facilities such as kitchens, staff and student bathrooms, sickbays, fencing, playgrounds, and water harvesting systems.
The goal is to enhance and expand access to education for children in these communities.
Karl Hale, HHJF Founder and Chairman, shared his vision. “Our foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of socio-economic status or location, has access to education. We invite all who share this belief to join us for Jam-Walk!”
Last year HHJF celebrated the completion of the Orange Bay Infant School Build in Port Antonio, Jamaica.
The success of the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation is a testament to the generosity and support of fundraisers, donors and corporate sponsors. Over the past weekend, the event raised more than $65,000. Fundraising will continue until May 30.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody. It’s important to support education in Jamaica,” said Kurt 
Davis, Jamaica’s Consul General based in Toronto. “It’s life-changing, world-changing, and has greatly impacted the people of Jamaica.”
This year’s school build in St. James Parish, scheduled for July 22 – 27, is currently at capacity with waitlist opportunity only. However, travel advisors interested in participating can look forward to the 20th-anniversary voluntourism trip in January 2026, where HHJF will look at offering up to 100 spots.
The foundation invites everyone, including individuals, companies and local businesses, to support its work by participating in Jam-Walk, becoming a sponsor or donor, or attending its annual gala event, Jamrock, on Oct. 18. To sponsor a registered team or individual participant, chec out https://jam-walk2024.raisely.com/donate, by May 30.
For more information, visit www.helpinghandsjamaica.com.
