The Vincy Unity Picnic Committee in Canada (UPC) has delivered a post-Hurricane Beryl relief donation of CD$4,000 to the Union Island Environmental Alliance (UIEA).
The UPC Committee is comprised of members from the SVG Associations of Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto Inc.
The contribution was presented by Suzette Weekes, president of the SVG Association of Ottawa Inc., and Jim Lewis, former president of the SVG Association of Toronto Inc., to Melissa Gellizeau a forest warden and member of UIEA and a Forest Warden.
The funds were raised through a draw for a return Air Canada ticket to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, donated by Air Canada.
The draw took place during the 2024 Vincy Unity Picnic on July 20 at Cyrsler Park Marina in Morrisburg, Canada.
The annual picnic is one of the largest gatherings of Vincentians in Canada and serves as a key event for the diaspora.
Katrina Coy, director of UIEA, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Union Island community.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Vincy Unity Picnic Committee for this generous donation. The funds will be used to provide much-needed windows for families affected by Hurricane Beryl’s devastation. Your support brings hope to those in need,” she said.
UPC said it looks forward to another successful event, with the 2025 Vincy Unity Picnic scheduled for July 19.
“It promises to be another unforgettable summer celebration of Vincentian culture and fellowship – mark your calendars!” a press release said.