UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Announces 2025 Honourees for 16th Annual Gala

Toronto, ON – The University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards has officially unveiled its list of distinguished honourees for 2025. The prestigious event, now in its 16th year, will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Toronto. The evening, themed “Bridging the Gap,” aims to support scholarships for Caribbean students and will bring together a high-profile audience committed to education and community development.

Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Co-Patron of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating that the event is more than just a celebration—it strengthens communities and recognizes leaders who inspire the next generation.

2025 Honourees:

• Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) – Multi-platinum rapper, producer, Def Jam – Global A&R, and Canada’s Got Talent judge.
• G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Myron Garron and Mrs. Berna Garron – Philanthropists known for their significant contributions to pediatric health and Canadian healthcare institutions.
• Chancellor’s Award: Onyx Initiative – A non-profit organization founded by Wayne and Nigela Purboo, dedicated to bridging employment gaps for Black post-secondary students in corporate Canada.
• Vice Chancellor’s Award:
  • Mr. Mark Beckles – Community Investment Initiatives, RBC Royal Bank, President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada).
  • Ms. Patricia DeGuire – Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada.
  • Ms. Leslie Woo – CEO at CivicAction, Founder of shebuildscities.org.

The evening’s entertainment will feature Tessanne Chin, winner of The Voice (Season 5) and a 2014 UWI Toronto Benefit Luminary Honouree. Additional performances will include Thunder Dome Sounds (featuring Eddie Bullen, Quincy Bullen, Tré-Michael Bullen, and Belinda Brady), along with saxophonist Jesse Ryan.

Since its inception, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded over 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students. Scotiabank returns as the lead sponsor for the 16th consecutive year, alongside key sponsors Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., the Hibbert Family Foundation, BDO, and the Raymond Chang Foundation.

The event schedule includes a Red Carpet Cocktail Hour (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM), followed by Dinner, the Awards Program, and Entertainment (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM), culminating in the Air Canada Lyme After Party (10:00 PM – Midnight).

With a history of transforming lives through education, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards remains a beacon of hope and empowerment for Caribbean students, demonstrating the power of unity and philanthropy in higher education.

SOURCES FKB Media