TORONTO — A beautiful morning greeted the walkers that came out for an early Saturday kick-off start for the 12th annual Jam-Walk in Toronto, to support the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.

This year’s Jam-Walk welcomed a record turnout of 100+ walkers, including 20 from the travel agent community, who were laced up and eager to participate and show their support.

The Consul General of Jamaica, Lincoln Downer, was also up for the task and joined in the festivities. Downer has completed almost a two-year stint in Canada, and is currently based in Toronto.

The Jam-walk this year carried special meaning, as Jamaica celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence.  This year also marks Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation’s 25th school build project  in Jamaica.

“The charity was created to enhance education in Jamaica and support teachers and students alike and we’re very fortunate for all the support we’ve received over the years,” said board member and President of sponsor Kisko Products, Mark Josephs, who led the opening event comments.

To date Helping Hands has made significant impacts on local communities by constructing purpose-built schools for pre-kindergarten children, primarily from ages two to five. In addition, new facilities accommodate different class sizes, kitchens, nursing stations and indoor washrooms.

This year was a record-breaker as Helping Hands raised over $75,000. And the Jamaica Tourist Board team alone made a concerted effort and raised over $5,000. Funds raised will go towards the 25th school build in Jamaica next year.

“We were humbled by the outpouring of support for the Helping Hands Foundation from our Canadian travel agent community this year. As we celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence in 2022 and Helping Hand’s 25th school build, we put some lofty goals in place this year — and we’re pleased to report we exceeded them! The Jamaica 60 theme is ‘re-igniting a nation for greatness,’ and this year’s Jam-Walk was a true expression of that sentiment,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada.

The 5km route included a picturesque waterfront stroll from Toronto’s Palais Royale along the boardwalk to the Palace Pier Park Bridge (also known as the Humber Bay Arch Bridge) and back. In addition, all participants were treated to a delicious post-walk lunch, complete with fried fish and festivals.

For more details about the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation check out https://www.helpinghandsjamaica.com.