EVENTS

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

On January 16, 2010, the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) along with Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada (EFCCC) & Fay presented another smashing Martin Luther King Celebration. This event was very special this year as mid January, the heart of the winter season NO snow was noted on the grounds. Therefore, almost 2000 fans parked McVety Centre to celebrate and remembered the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which was “Equality” for all people.

The Theme for this year “Dream Resides in You” hosted by 680am radio personality-Rudy Blair started off with a bang as the first performers presented a musical  interlude that rocked the audience, bringing almost everyone to a standing ovation.

Greetings from a host of Dignitaries include Mr. George Ramocan, Consul General of Jamaica, Hon, Michael Prue MPP Ontario NDP, Hon. Margaret Best, Minister of Health Promotion, Dr. Leon Wellington Founder and CEO, (EFCC) USA. Among others.

During the celebration many reflected on the millions of Haitians who were shattered most recently by the ravages of an earthquake that devastated almost the entire island of Haiti. A minute of silence was offered along with a special ADRA relief appeal for financial support.

A special presentation from one of the sponsors, Dr Leon Wellington Founder & CEO  Educational Foundation For Children’s Care. In his appeal, he highlighted the progress of EFCC, a foundation he organized to provide stable homes, holistic care and educational opportunities for children who are abandoned, abused and disadvantaged. He requested special prayers on behalf of Educational Foundation For Children’s Care Canada (EFCCC) that the good Lord will help us to obtain charity status very soon so Canada can help to accomplish his dream of a children’s village in Jamaica.

Motivational Speakers such as Hamlin Grange, Former TV Host Journalist & Entrepreneur along with Justice Betty-producer of “I have A Dream Canada” re-enforced the theme “Dream Resides In  You” calling on every one especially the youths to remember the sacrifice of Dr. King and allow his dream to live on in their lives through positive thinking, educational development, entrepreneurship etc.

A well spent evening ended with many more breath taking performances by Jesly OKuefuna who presented a poetic lyric, Miranda Sigh who did an interpretive dance and many others. Many left with valuable gifts. Vote of thanks was presented by Pauline Christian, Organizer- President of BBPA & EFCCC (Educational Foundation For Children’s Care Canada.

Central Jamaica ASI Adopts Children’s Village

The ASI Chapter of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh day Adventists recently voted to adopt and become a sponsor of the Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Village in Four Paths, Clarendon. With this initiative, the ASI Chapter will sponsor Fund raisers to assist with operations of the village.

ASI will have a significant involvement through its president, now Chairman Errol Dennis who was elected to serve the Educational Foundation as chairman of the committee in Jamaica.

Mr Errol Dennis succeeds immediate past Chairman Marston Thomas when he was elected at a general meeting of the committee in November 2009. President Leon Wellington and Vice President Eric Allen Of EFCCI International, attended and expressed appreciation to Chairman Thomas for the outstanding leadership and commitment he gave to the organization for the past four years.

EFCCI Receives Versacare Grant

March 2010 was a significant month for the Foundation. In addition to the good news from the Canadian Chapter, EFCCI received its first significant Grant from the Versacare Foundation Inc of US$20,000.00 towards the establishment of a Block making industry. It is proposed to use the proceeds of the operation to develop the Children’s Village and contribute to the budget of the operation of the Village.

The entire Board, Committees and membership of EFCCI express our deep appreciation to Versacare for their generous contribution.  Acknowledgement has been previously made to Mr Fitz Henry, Managing Director of Nesco Construction Company for the donation of a Block Making Machine to the Foundation.

Canadian Chapter Receives Tax Free Status.  

The Toronto based chapter of Educational Foundation for Children’s Care on February 18, 2010 received the exciting news from the Federal Government that they were granted the long anticipated and much prayed for “Tax Free” status. This will now allow that chapter to receive contributions from individuals and organizations in Canada that can be deducted from their annual tax returns.

We rejoice with Chairman Pauline Christian and her committee for achieving this coveted status, and commend the team for the hard work they have put in to getting that chapter on a firm foundation.

In addition to the parent organization based in Miami, Florida and the Toronto based Canadian Chapter; the Foundation has one other chapter in Washington D C, and a chapter being organized in Atlanta, Georgia. 

VALENTINE’S BANQUET –2010 

Mark your calendars!! The Board of the Foundation, voted to hold a Valentines Banquet on Sunday, February 7, 2010.  Plans are being put in place to make it the biggest and best ever.  More information will be shared as special guests are confirmed.

EFCCI TO ESTABLISH BLOCK MAKING BUSINESS 

As part of its strategic plan for the continued financial assistance of the project,  EFCCI is to establish a Block-making business to produce cement blocks for building structures on the property, a walled fence around the property, and for commercial sale to the public.

It is hoped that proceeds from the sale will assist with financing the project.  Earlier this year, the donation of a block making machine was made by Mr. Fitz Henry.  We are extremely grateful for this generous donation which will facilitate the projects implementation.

REGRETS AND APPRECIATION 

EFCCI notes with much sorrow the passing away of Greta Robinson, Vice President of the Jamaica Committee of EFCCI.  A memorial service was held for her at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist church which was overwhelmingly attended.  We will remember her enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to the ideals of EFCCI as well as the sacrifices she made to get the Foundation established.

EFCCI regrets also to note with sorrow the passing of Dr. L. Herbert Fletcher who was memorialized at the Miami Temple SDA Church on Sunday, December 6, 2009.  Dr. Fletcher was one of the enthusiastic supporters of EFCCI and was one of its founding members.  We will always remember him for his valuable advice to the Board.  We extend sincere condolences to the families of both these stalwarts who are always ready to help the needy and marginalized.

HENSLEY JOHNSON DIES 

Mr. Hensley Morton Johnson, donor of five acres of land on which the EFCCI Village project is sited in Jamaica died on October 11, 2009, and was memorialized in a   beautiful ceremony at the Denbigh Seventh-day Adventist church on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

In attendance were Members of Parliament from both political parties, church officials, community organizations and several members of EFCCI Jamaica Committee.

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Leon B. Wellington, president of EFCCI.  Mr. Johnson died four months before his 102nd birthday.  The gift of land to this Foundation is now subject to the probation of his will.  We extend sincere condolences to his daughter, Carol and other members of his family. His memory will always linger with us.

FUNDRAISING CONCERT A SUCCESS 

A gospel concert featuring internationally renowned singer/performer Claude Edwards was held at the Ambassador SDA church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 7:30 pm.  Despite numerous other activities in the area, a full house turned out and were well rewarded with performances by several local talents in addition to our special guest.

Refreshments donated by Board members were on sale, and added to the returns for the evening.

 

EFCCI ADOPTED BY ASI 

ASI, an organization of Business and Professional members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Central Jamaica, voted to adopt the EFCCI Village in Clarendon, Jamaica as their project which will benefit from future fundraisers and donations.

EFCCI welcomes and appreciates their consideration and support of the village.

Destination - Barrington Irving, Experience Aviation: Miami, Florida

The EFCCI in collaborate with Jamaican born Barrington Irving, the youngest person to fly solo around the world, and his team at the Experience Aviation, Opa Locka airport Learning Center will be hosting a field trip and youth development program. This program provides an exciting educational experience to middle and high school students, including hands-on training on the Microsoft Flight Simulator, in the aircraft that Barrington used along with other academic activities. All of the activities are designed to encourage youth development and give experience in various fields including flying, air traffic control, aerospace technology, and aviation maintenance.

The students selected will be required to attend an exciting half-day EFCCI Youth Ambassadors program prior to the career day at the Learning Center.

Building A Caring Community Series: South Florida

A quarterly initiative that consist of community outreach programs, educational seminars, and church services. Each quarter the EFCCI hosts this series in a different location of South Florida.

CALENDAR

  • March 30, 2008: Youth Development Training, Miami, Florida
  • April 6, 2008: Destination Field Trip: Barrington Irvin, Experience Aviation, Miami, Florida
  • April 12, 2008: Building a Caring Community, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Guest Speaker: Pastor Lester Elliott
  • June 22, 2008 Fundraising Dinner, Kingston, Jamaica
    Under the Patronage of the Honorable Lorna Golding
    • Feature Speaker: Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Honorable Bruce Golding, MP
  • July 12, 2008 Building a Caring Community, Miami, Florida
    • Guest Speaker: Pastor Everette Brown, President, Central Jamaica Conference
  • July 13, 2008 Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Featuring: Dr Gerry Gallimore, Former World Director, Youth for Christ Special
    • Award to: Northern Caribbean University Microsoft Imagine Cup 2007 Winners.

NEWS

 

Miami, Florida - June 19,2008 - For the first time since the inception of the Foundation, a joint meeting of the EFCCI Board from Florida held a joint face to face meeting on Thursday June 19 at the home of Jamaican Committee member Clinton Thompson. Following a sumptuous dinner, a very productive meeting was convened by President Leon Wellington. Previous meetings have been held with Committee Chairman and Vice President Marston Thomas participating by telephone. This historic meeting was part of a weekend of activities including a visit to the Village site by Board members (some for the first time), and a Fund raising Dinner held at the Mona Visitor's Lodge, University of the West Indies, Sunday June 22 at which Hon. Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica was Guest Speaker. Mrs Lorna Golding, wife of the Prime Minister was patron of the event.

 

Miami, Florida - June 28, 2007 - The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda Sir James Carlisle will be the feature speaker at the Educational Foundation for Children's Care Inc., (EFCCI) Fundraising Awards Dinner on Sunday July 8, 2007, 4p.m. at the Signature Grand, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The EFCCI will be recognizing Jamaican born Barrington Irving, the youngest person to fly solo around the world, along with the City of Miramar Commissioner Winston F. Barnes and other outstanding individuals and organizations. The Jamaican Consulate and Air Jamaica will also be recognized for their dedicated support to the development of a Children's Village in Clarendon, Jamaica.

The fundraising event will be filled with Caribbean flare and will include the Trinidadian steel band ensemble, Steel Entertainment. Both the Jamaica and Antigua & Barbuda Consulate offices are supportive of the EFCCI and will have representation at the event.

The EFCCI is currently completing the first stage the Children's Village project; this will consist of housing and other amenities for underprivileged children, and provide a safe holistic environment for nurturing, growth and educational development for children in Jamaica. This project is being completed in partnership with Northern Caribbean University, (NCU) and the International Children's Care Inc., (ICC).

For more information on the EFCCI and to purchase tickets or support the Children's Village project in Jamaica, please call 305-439-3419 or 301-875-9714.

 

By Vernetta Andrews van Putten

The annual fund raiser planned as part of the Educational Foundation's Annual General Meeting weekend, July 13, 2008, and scheduled for the Signature Grand in Davie, Florida, has been postponed until Sunday September 21, 2008 at the same venue at 4:00pm. The Saturday service and promotion planned for July 12 at the Eleatha Seventh day Adventist Church will go ahead as planned. Pastor Everette Brown, president of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh day Adventists will be guest speaker at the Divine Service, while the promotional program will begin at 4:30pm. All tickets pre sold for the Dinner will be valid until the new date. Guest Speaker will be Dr Gerry Gallimore former World Director of Youth for Christ.