Much of what we post on this site is about university developments, foreign relations, international trade, and politics. But those things represent only part of what constitutes the Canada-Caribbean relationship.
Non-profit foundations and other organizations, and the individuals who support them, play a significant part in the relationship and more needs to be understood about their important contributions.
Several that have come to mind recently deserve notice.
Brenda Stafford Foundation
The Brenda Stafford Foundation (BSF for short) is a Canadian foundation based in Calgary, Alberta that focusses on:
Core Activities
- Seniors’ Care (it serves over 1000 seniors in multiple long-term care facilities);
- Domestic Violence Support: Through the Heart Home Network, they provide safe housing and wraparound services for women and children fleeing domestic violence;
- Homelessness Prevention: Partnered with the Children’s Cottage Society to run Brenda’s House, an emergency shelter for families at risk of homelessness; and Innovation and Research.
- Innovation & Research: Leads projects like Dementia Friendly Communities and smart gardens to enhance seniors’ wellness and community engagement.
The Brenda Strafford Foundation also has an international component that extends its reach internationally to provide and support a variety of medical clinics and healthcare services to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of people living in underserved regions of the Caribbean. It is the founding member of Caribbean Eye Health Alliance (A Regional Approach to Eye Health in the Caribbean) and delivers health services in Haiti, Jamaica and Dominica. It also operates, through LivWell, an Adult Day Centre, Small Care Home, and Eye Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
See also International Healthcare and Strengthening Collaboration in the Caribbean
Jamaica Canadian Association
The Jamaica Canadian Association (JCA) is a Canadian non-profit organization that offers a wide range of services aimed at empowering the Jamaican-Canadian community and fostering cultural pride and unity. Here’s a brief overview of what they provide:
Core Services and Programs
- Cultural Events & Celebrations: Hosting vibrant events that celebrate Jamaican heritage and promote multicultural understanding.
- Educational Scholarships: Supporting youth and students through financial aid and mentorship opportunities.
- Community Advocacy: Influencing policies and resources to promote equity and well-being for the Jamaican-Canadian community.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging community involvement through service and leadership roles.
See also Jamaican Canadian Association
Food For The Poor Canada
Food For The Poor Canada is a faith-based international aid organization focused on sustainable development and emergency relief in underserved communities across Latin America and the Caribbean—especially in Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana, and Honduras.
Core Areas of Impact
They operate across five key pillars:
- Food Security: Over 37 million meals delivered to combat hunger
- Education: Built 41 schools and distributed 20,000 books; supports scholarships and literacy programs
- Housing & Community: Constructed 191 homes and revitalized communities with clinics, greenhouses, and resource centers
- Health: Shipped $44 million worth of medicines and supplies to under-resourced clinics
- Economic Empowerment: Supports income-generating projects like coffee farming, beekeeping, and vocational training
See also Food For The Poor of Canada
These are but three examples that have crossed the desk lately. There are many, many more. If you know of an organization doing important work related Canada-Caribbean issues, please let us know about them. We will be happy to feature them.