The 2025 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards celebrated its 16th annual gala on April 26th at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto. This prestigious event aimed to support scholarships for Caribbean students under the theme “Bridging the Gap.” It brought together a high-profile audience of corporate executives, public personalities, and community members dedicated to education and community development.
The evening honored distinguished individuals and organizations for their contributions. Among the honorees were Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall), who received the Luminary Award for his achievements in music and entertainment; philanthropists Myron and Berna Garron, recipients of the G. Raymond Chang Award for their contributions to pediatric health; and the Onyx Initiative, awarded the Chancellor’s Award for its efforts to bridge employment gaps for Black post-secondary students in corporate Canada.
Entertainment featured Jamaican singer-songwriter Tessanne Chin, winner of “The Voice” Season 5, alongside performances by Thunder Dome Sounds and saxophonist Jesse Ryan. The event also included a Red Carpet Cocktail Hour, an awards program, and an Air Canada Lyme After Party.
The awards recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to various fields, including education, philanthropy, and community development. Past honorees have included notable figures such as Malcolm Gladwell, Harry Belafonte, Shaggy, Desmond Tutu, and Naomi Campbell. These luminaries exemplify the spirit of the awards, which aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.
Since its inception, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded over 1,000 scholarships, demonstrating the power of unity and philanthropy in higher education. It remains a beacon of hope for Caribbean students, fostering empowerment and community strength.
The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has three co-patrons: Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University and a communications leader and philanthropist; Kevin Hibbert, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Managing Partner at Sprott Inc.; and Ann-Marie Hibbert, Co-Founder and President of the Hibbert Family Foundation. Together, they champion the event’s mission to empower Caribbean students through education. Scotia Bank is the lead sponsor.
You can catch some of the excitement of the evening in the videos below.
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