Caribbean Chorale Community Awards Recipients

The Ivy Isaacs Memorial Fund. 

Ivy Isaacs was a very dedicated and committed member of our group, until ill health prevented her active participation; and even then she continued to offer her support, admonishments when she thought necessary, and made no secret of how much her participation and membership meant to her. We will always remember Ivy and are happy to be to be able to make this contribution to the Ivy Isaacs Memorial Fund at her beloved Don Mills United Church. We pray that this will assist in keeping Ivy’s legacy alive in the community she loved so much. The Award was received by Rev'd Edith-Ann Shantz

ASBURY and WEST UNITED CHURCH

Over the years, we have performed at a number of churches. Some of them are churches with which we had ongoing close connections, and so our performing there was, as it were, expected and understood. However, Asbury and West United Church, and its pastor Rev’d Douglas McKenzie, opened their doors to the Chorale for performance only on the asking – free of charge, making all their facilities available to us – including the service of their caretaker who was always willing to wait, no matter the hour our rehearsals completed. For their generosity and support, we say “thank you”. Rev'd Douglas Mc.Kenzie accepted the Award for Asbury and West.

GRACE KENNEDY FOODS LIMITED

In this day and age when it is becoming more and more difficult to secure donations and support from the corporate world, Grace Kennedy Foods Ltd stands out as one organization that continues to acknowledge and honour its commitment to give back to the community of which it is part. We thank the company and its management for their generosity to the Chorale over the years, and we look forward to their partnership in the future. Brain Best accepted for Grace Kennedy Foods Ltd.

MR. KEN BAHADUR

Ken has been a very generous friend and supporter of the Chorale for many years, always willing to assist, even on short notice, like today, and despite his very busy business schedule, in providing his considerable musical skills on the guitar. His dedication to the group was made very clear in his willingness to accompany us on both our visits to New York to perform, and we (I think I can honestly say, enjoy the camaraderie and bonding which we always share.

MARGO HARRIS

Margo Harris, Vice President and Chair of Public Relations received the President's Award in recognition of her hard work, outstanding service and unswerving commitment to the Chorale during the past 15 years.

MS JOY LAPPS

We in the Chorale consider her our “daughter”. Joy, was the first recipient of our Rosetta Batson Bursary. She is an excellent and accomplished pannist who is always willing to give of her services not only to the Chorale, but also to many, many deserving causes in the community. Just this summer she ran a successful program for young (and not so young) people interested in learning to play the steel pan – yet another example of her willingness to pass on her skills and give back to her community, all the while successfully continuing her studies at university.

MR. SANFORD EASTMOND

Mr. Eastmond is a qualified accountant, and has over the past many years has generously given of his time and talent, without cost, to ensure that the fiscal activities of the Chorale were conducted in the manner that they should be, and in keeping with “all generally accepted accounting practices and principles”. Mr. Eastmond we sincerely thank you for your support and assistance over the years, and look forward to your continuing to keeping us on the fiscal “straight and narrow”.

THE CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN’S, DOWNSVIEW

The Chorale’s relationship and partnership with St. Stephen’s Church over the years has not been limited to rehearsals and/or performances. The Rector, Canon Stephen Fields served as our first Chaplain for many years, our former Director, Mrs. Arlene August, was at the time also organist at St. Stephen, and there are those, Bev Brown, Anthony and Barbara Holder, who share membership in both families. We sincerely thank the Rector, Wardens and congregation of St. Stephen for their generous support and assistance. Cannon Stephens Fields accepted the Award for St. Stephens Church.

ST. PAUL’S L’AMOREAUX CHURCH

I think the best way to describe St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux is as “home” to the Chorale. For the last 11 years at least, we have met there either on Sunday or Monday for rehearsals, our Board and Committees have been afforded space to meet for meetings.. We have used their facilities for our social get-togethers. We have held our Spring and Christmas concerts there for many years, and have also joined with them for performances. Earlier this year we were happy to host a Mother’s Day tea party for the St. Paul’s Seniors. We share some members. Yes, we have enjoyed a rich partnership with St. Paul’s, and we want them to know how much we value and appreciate this partnership. Our member Sonia Mongford accepted the Award on behalf of St. Paul L'Amoreaux.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, was the location of the first concert of the official Caribbean Chorale of Toronto some fifteen years ago, when a group of persons of Caribbean origin, who loved to sing got together under the leadership of the founding director, Ms Eulalie Walling-Sampson*** and produced a concert which is still recalled to this day. And that relationship continues – hence this service here today. Like the previous two churches we also share some members with St. Michael or them with us… We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to partner with St. Michael the Archangel; we thank the Rector, Wardens and congregation, and look forward to continuing this relationship.