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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com International
On October 27, the Caribbean community in the Vancouver area came together to support Abaco and Grand Bahama Island Hurricane Dorian relief efforts with ‘An Evening for The Bahamas,” held at Burnaby Hall in British Columbia, Canada.
The event was organized by Caribbean / Bahamian Nationals of B.C. headed by Bahamian, Lillamae Toppin. The evening included live entertainment, a silent auction, dinner and dance. Tables were labeled with the Islands of The Bahamas, and many door prizes were given out thanks to generous sponsors. Co-founder of The Bahamas Weekly, Robbin Whachell was the MC for the
evening.
His Excellency, Alvin Smith, Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada traveled from Ottawa to attend and provided the keynote address sighting many stories from the islands, and how they were impacted. He also referenced that Canadians are the second largest country as second-home owners to The Bahamas. Approximately twenty-five Bahamians were in attendance, along with former and current home-owners. To date the effort has raised close to $7,000 and the donation link via Food For The Poor Canada will remain open until Nov. 30, 2019. “I would like to thank everyone who responded to my appeal to help in Hurricane Dorian relief by attending,” said event coordinator, Lillamae Toppin. “I would also like to thank all those who were unable to attend but donated anyway.”
“I especially want to thank the Bahamian High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency, Mr Alvin Smith, who took time out of his busy schedule to travel from Ottawa to be the Keynote Speaker. His speech was very informative and very touching." The High Commissioner pointed out that The Bahamas is still open for business as there are many Islands that were not affected by Hurricane Dorian. One way to support the rebuilding efforts is to visit The Islands that are still open. The event was a wonderful evening filled with great performances. Two talented singers, Bahamian Crystal Hicks and Canadian Juno award-nominee, Kelita Haverland performed solos, and during dinner the Sweet Pan Entertainment orchestra filled the room with Caribbean sounds.
Wowing the audience was Bahamian dancer, Androsia Wilde with her captivating and high-energy numbers to Bahamians songs like Obeah Man.
Throughout the evening, DJ Redemption Sound, DJ Earl The Pearl and DJ
Lovers Choice kept the atmosphere lively and got people dancing.
The meal was prepared by Deloris Anderson and Natasha Sawyer (a Bahamian Chef living in Vancouver). Judi Lewinson provided graphic work on the program (attached below). During her vote of thanks Toppin acknowledged her organizing committee. “I would like to thank Pearl Tingle, Louie Sutherland, Maureen Simon, Monifa Ayinde, Maryann Pyne, Robbin Whachell and Zuri Scrivens for coming together to help me with this event." "I would like to thank all the donors for giving so generously, especially Save-on-Foods." "Last but not least I would like to thank Food For The Poor Canada for partnering with us by ensuring that tax receipts are being issued to those who requested them," said Toppin. It will take a long time to rebuild the Islands that were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. So much more is needed. If you are so inclined please donate to the account at Food For The Poor Canada, as every little bit goes a long way. The event was proudly supported by thebahamasweekly.com.
All photos were generously provided by Sebastian Lopez Photography. See the full selection of photos on Facebook. (Kindly credit if used).
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