The Council of Caribbean Associations – Canada (CCAC) has added another dimension to its scholarship program.

The “Loved Ones Bursary Program” is intended for individuals, families, organizations and institutions to name a bursary in honour of their loved ones.

The CCAC launched its first scholarship program in 2012. It offers students of Caribbean descent resident in the Greater Toronto Area, and who are attending colleges and universities, a chance to compete for two (2) $1,000.00 bursaries annually to assist with their tuition related expenses.  Since then, 16 students have benefitted from the program.

The first of the Loved Ones Bursary Program is named in honour of the CCAC’s current president, Gideon Lamont Exeter, who is a founding member of this umbrella organization that represents 13 Caribbean countries’ national associations operating in the Greater Toronto Area.  Mr. Exeter is a five-time St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Toronto Inc. President. Each bursary is worth $1,000.00.

Through his employment with Western Union Financial Services, Grace Kennedy Money Transfer Services and Arbor Memorial Inc., Mr. Exeter was able to encourage his employers over the years to establish scholarship programs in several Caribbean community organizations and churches.

According to the CCAC, The Loved Ones Bursaries is an addition to the other bursaries that are currently made available.  It is hoped that a number of individuals, families and organizations will use the opportunity to establish bursaries in honour of their loved ones and help our young people to finance their education. 

While contributions of any amount will be accepted, in order for a bursary to be named in honour of a loved one, the sponsor would make a commitment of at least $1,000.00 per year for a three-year period.

The CCAC is an umbrella organization launched in 2009 and consists of the national organizations of 13 Caribbean communities including the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organizations; Antigua & Barbuda Association of Toronto; Association of Bahamians in Canada, Barbados Overseas Community-Canada Inc.; Commonwealth of Dominica, Ontario Association, Grenada Association (Toronto); Jamaica Diaspora Canada Foundation; Maison d’Haiti Du Grand Toronto; Montserrat Association (Toronto); NevCan Cultural Association; St. Kitts-Canadian Association (Toronto); St. Lucia Toronto Association; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Toronto; and Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ontario.

The Council was launched with the goals to promote and support the political, social, economic, cultural, and recreational development of people of Caribbean ancestry living in Canada;   to encourage and develop networking opportunities among member associations and outside organizations with similar goals; and to ensure representation and promotion of the interests of all member Associations.

For information about the CCAC please visit the website, www.caribbeancouncilcanada.org