Lending a hand to ‘Lift up Downs’

Disc jock ZJ Sparks and Terri-Karelle Reid are among the media personalities showing their support for the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation (JDSF) as a part of the line-up for the ‘Lift Up Downs’ benefit concert, scheduled for March 26 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

Reid will serve as host for the night, while ZJ Sparks keeps the energy going with her musical juggling. They will be joined by dancehall artiste Laa Lee, Pastor Stephen Blake, and Dwight Richards and Friends, as well as several members of the special-needs community.

“Large fundraisers like this are essential to the work we do. We give grants to our most needy members to assist with defraying expenses for healthcare needs, such as hearing evaluations and eye screenings. We also give grants to assist with speech therapy, school fees and music lessons,” explained Dr Charmaine Scott, JDSF founder. “Psychosocial counselling is essential for parents, especially in the initial months after diagnosis, and so we also engage the services of a counsellor, as budget permits. It is our dream to set up a facility where these services can be offered under one roof. As we strive towards this goal, it is important that we continue assisting our members to obtain the interventions that can best assist them to reach their full potential.”

ZJ Sparks, who recently met with member and director Kristina Kelly at the headquarters of the JDSF’s long-time partner, the Digicel Foundation, shared why she was lending her support to Lift Up Downs.

“The world consists of various kinds of people, but oftentimes people might feel marginalised. I’m not one of those persons to try and make anyone feel marginalised,” said the Grammy-nominated producer. “I know that every charity needs every form of help they can get so, I was available and said, ‘Of course, why not?’ Let’s spark it up!”

Kelly, who is the first person with Down’s syndrome to be appointed to the JDSF board, was excited to meet the persons lending their time to her community. “They are all so beautiful and very nice to help my friends and my community.”

Digicel Foundation’s Senior Operations Manager, Jodi-Ann McFarlane, shared that the Foundation will be providing volunteers to assist with the event. “We’ve been supporting JDSF’s annual concert over the years and we are happy to be on board again,” she said.

Lift Up Downs will kick off at 4 p.m. on March 26.