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Big stage, big hearts

Published:Sunday | December 26, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Richie Stephens brings one of his young fans onstage during the launch party for his 'Reggae Evolution' album held at the Kabana Restaurant, Hope Road, St Andrew. He is among the many artistes who have contributed to charity this year. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance photographer
Entertainer Shaggy takes an inquisitive five-month-old Kiomie Gentle from her mother, Sycora Bent. Shaggy made his annual Christmas tour of the Bustamante Hospital for Children where he gave out gifts and spread holiday cheer. - Ian Allen/Photographer
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Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

In January, Orville 'Shaggy' Burrell presented $31 million to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, proceeds from this year's edition of the annual Dare to Care concert which he spearheads.

The charity aspect of Capleton's A St Mary Mi Come From, held on August 5 at the Gray's Inn Complex, St Mary, was emphasised at the event's official launch in July. However, Capleton's personal manager, Claudette Kemp, also pointed out that "Capleton has an ongoing charity event, not just August 5". As such, those who wish to contribute outside of supporting A St Mary Mi Come From are encouraged to do so.

On Monday, May 11, 2009, singer Richie Stephens handed over $500,000 to Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, minister of youth, sports and culture, as a donation to the Sisters-to-Sisters fund-raising effort which she launched in 2008. The donation was part of the proceeds from Stephens' Take Me Away concert staged two weeks previously. Although not staged this year, Take Me Away as well as the New Year's Day event Unity Splash, also staged by Stephens in previous years, have a very strong charity focus.

They are three of the many entertainers who have organised charity donations, with countless others making informal contributions. Still, the sheer magnitude and children's cause of Shaggy's effort makes it stand out.

It has saved parents as well as children. Ashley Anderson, who was shot in the head at her downtown Kingston home in 2008 and her father, Jason, who was present at this year's donation function, said he became suicidal before he realised help for his daughter was at hand.

Shaggy summed up his purpose. "When you look at one child being saved by this, it really warms my heart to know that we here have made a difference," he said.