Love at Christmas, from Canada - Elegant You Tea Party treats St Ann Infirmary residents
Published:Thursday | December 21, 2017 | 12:00 AMCarl Gilchrist
Residents of the St Ann Infirmary in Priory, St Ann, have one more reason to be grateful this Christmas, thanks to the kindness of several Jamaicans living in Canada.
In August, Thora Daley of Thora's Elegant Design and celebrity chef Selwyn Richards, president of the Art of Catering, joined forces to stage the Elegant You Tea Party fundraiser in Toronto.
The resulting funds were used to purchase items for the St Ann Infirmary in Priory, St Ann, just in time for Christmas.
Last Friday, Daley, along with several friends, presented the items to the infirmary and also treated the residents.
"This is a blessing. I am so blessed that I can come back to my native land to give back something to the wonderful people of Jamaica," Daley told Family & Religion.
"Two washing machines, a wheelchair, 65 pairs of slippers, with personal care for the ladies, we're also doing fruit trays and goodies as reception for the ladies," Daley outlined. "It is great. I feel so blessed that God has blessed us in such a way that Elegant You Tea Party can give back to Jamaica."
The matron at the infirmary, Sharmaine Davidson, expressed delight at receiving the items and also for the treat.
A steel band, made up predominantly of women who are residents of Richmond, a neighbouring community to Priory, also played for the residents of the infirmary, drumming up several Christmas carols in the true spirit of the season.
"I approached them and they jumped right in and say they are ready to go and they're here today to just bring back life into these residents," Daley said of the band.
Daley, who hails from Clarendon originally, has made St Ann her home, at least part time, and is happy to help the infirmary residents enjoy the season.
FUNDS DONATED
Daley said part of the funds raised at the Elegant You Tea Party was also donated to the Hon Jean Augustine Chair in the Faculty of Education, York University, Toronto, Canada.
"Our goal is to continue to empower young women and girls, encouraging them to believe that it is possible to change their circumstances, allowing their dreams to be realised," she pointed out.
She added: "The Elegant You Tea Party honoured six phenomenal black female politicians by presenting the Women of Purpose Awards to Jean Augustine, Margaret Best, Zanana Akande, Mary Anne Chambers, Mitzie Hunter and Celina Caesar-Chavanness."
The event was hosted by Toronto's favourite on-air personality Patricia Jaggernauth, with Miss Jamaica World 2013 Gina Hargitay, among the special guests.