The Bequia Social Organization is a non- profit organization created to bring together the many Bequiarians living in Toronto, and create a link that would see this group assisting the people here and back home in any way they could. It was the vision of one women, Hulda Quashie-Garrick (who has since passed) to start a group that would bring together the many Bequiarians living in Toronto, and
create a link that would see this group assisting the people here and back home in any way they could. Now in 2013, celebrating 25 years, with our motto ‘Get in Touch; Stay in Touch’ propelling us on, the Bequia Social Organization of Toronto is still going strong. Currently, the majority of fundraising proceeds assist the following projects:
The Sunshine school; a school for children with special needs in Bequia. The sponsorship of three high school students in Bequia for the duration of their secondary school studies. We sponsor students who have the potential, but not the means to attend school. This includes books, uniform, school supplies and personal needs they may encounter during their time in school. Annual free Christmas luncheon for seniors; the group contribute to this cause in the form of a crate of groceries being shipped to Bequia to assist in the preparation of the food for the luncheon and to make bags filled with food items the seniors can take away and also bags that are dropped off to those confined to their house. The knapsack project; barrels of knapsacks filled with supplies, are sent to the two public elementary schools and are distributed to kids entering school for the first time. The goal is to make all kids feel equal. Funds raised also go to assisting with our donations to such places as the local hospital, and individuals in need of aid. Over the years, the Bequia Social Organization has been involved in many projects. Beside the projects named above, we have also:
Sent medical supplies to the Bequia Casualty Hospital, including, but not limited to an examination bed, wheel chair, and IV poles etc
Assisted in individual medical assistance
Painted the local high school and provided supplies to fix the school up
Donated to toy drives for children during Christmas
Donated to the local daycare with learning supplies
Plus many more ventures. The organization not only focuses on the people in Bequia, but also those here in Toronto and the GTA by helping individuals who need assistance, providing bursaries to the children of members who are pursuing post-secondary education, and hosting an appreciation dinner for our senior members. With roughly 100+ members and many supporters, we not only hold annual meetings, we also host an annual picnic in Pickering ,Ontario in August, a Christmas sing-a-long and potluck, a Spring and Pre -New Year dance, a one day bus trip in September and also a May long weekend bus trip. These activities are put on as free events or fundraisers. Either way, these events allow for us to ‘Get in Touch; Stay in Touch’. Besides supporting projects involving Bequia, the organization over the years has donated to various charities and churches including food, toy and Christmas drives here in Toronto and the GTA. Our organization and the members support individuals during charity walks, fundraisers and community events, after school programs etc that take place throughout Toronto and the GTA. We also support other organization in their time of need; especially those in the last couple of years have seen their countries devastated by hurricanes and earthquakes. Just like our island, we may be small in size compared to other organizations in Toronto, but, one thing our people have is a big heart, and we help through giving and support whenever and however we can. Three presidents later, with an executive committee including a vice president, secretary, treasurer, social convenor and two public relation officers, the Bequia Social Organization continues to ‘Get in Touch; Stay in Touch’ with the people in Bequia and those here in Toronto, keeping the vision of one women in focus.
