TORONTO — Blue skies, a sparkling waterfront, infectious energy and plenty of smiling faces: everything you need to make a special occasion unforgettable.

Once again, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) lent its support to Jam-Walk, along with a small but mighty team of 25 community-minded travel advisors who laced up their shoes to step forward and celebrate the spirit of giving back at the uplifting event’s 20th anniversary.

Karl Hale, Chairman of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation

Attendees gathered at the covered patio of Palais Royale on Toronto’s waterfront this past Saturday before embarking on the annual five-kilometre walk along the Martin Goodman Trail to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and back.

The island-themed fundraiser, which benefits the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF), has become a signature event, uniting the community for a morning filled with purpose, music and celebration in support of the foundation’s mission.

But this year’s Jam-Walk 5k walk and brunch carried extra meaning, as it marked a significant milestone in an ongoing journey.

REBUILDING INITIATIVES

Since its founding, HHJF has been committed to expanding educational opportunities for Jamaican children. The foundation provides schools with essential facilities, including classrooms furnished with age-appropriate student furniture, kitchens, staff areas, sick bays and water-harvesting systems.

To date, HHJF has raised $2.5 million and constructed 27 schools across Jamaica, creating safe, modern learning environments that improve literacy rates and broaden opportunities for children.

The foundation continues to make significant strides and is excited to return to Jamaica with over 30 volunteers, including members of the Jamaica Tourist Board.

The HHJF 20th Anniversary Voluntourism Trip, which was initially postponed due to Hurricane Melissa, is back on track and rescheduled for July 6-12 for its 28th school build.

Volunteers will assist one of the communities in St. Elizabeth that was hardest hit by Melissa. This project will involve building a new school to replace the one that was demolished, providing a safe and nurturing learning environment so children can return to school and continue their education.

This year’s funds will go towards building HHJF’s School Building Fund, and there are still a few spots open for anyone interested in participating in this effort.

HHJF invites individuals, companies, and local businesses to contribute and make their steps count by participating in Jam-walk, becoming sponsors or donors, and attending the foundation’s annual gala, Jamrock, in October 2026.

Karl Hale, Founder and Chairman of HHJF, emphasized the community’s enduring spirit: “Driven by the belief that every Jamaican child deserves a safe place to learn and grow, HHJF continues to mobilize its engaged community to support education and provide opportunities for children in Jamaica.”

Annie Cicvaric, Travelweek; Judy Nash and Angella Bennett, JTB; Lesley Ann Connell, Kemp Travel Group; Linda Khanna, Tourcan Vacations

“TRAVEL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN STELLAR IN THEIR SUPPORT”

Angela Lawrence, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, sponsor and recipient of the annual Denise Jones Legacy Award

Travelweek attended the event and caught up with Angella Bennett, the Regional Director for Canada at JTB. Bennett has been a board member of HHJF for the past seven years since moving to Canada.

“HHJF is an organization that aligns with our mandate, which goes beyond selling travel; it focuses on supporting the Jamaican community,” Bennett explained.

She added: “The devastating hurricane united the travel community like never before. The way people have come together to rebuild Jamaica has been nothing short of remarkable.”

According to Bennett, the agents have been exceptionally supportive for Jamaica during its time of need, demonstrating unprecedented compassion and enthusiasm.

Many agents have even travelled to Jamaica to lend a hand in person.

Not only that, but travel advisors also used their voices on social media to promote that Jamaica is open for business, sharing updates on the reopening of hotels, airports and attractions.

These efforts have proven impactful, and, as Bennett stated, “the island is experiencing a recovery like never before.”

“This is truly a resilient recovery, and it is evident that the travel community has stood by Jamaica. Their commitment is clear today as they participate in this walk and support us building the 28th school – a school that was completely devastated by the hurricane and is now being rebuilt from scratch.”

Bennett mentioned that many existing HHRJ schools suffered roof damage. However, HHJF’s fundraising efforts in December, including a concert, helped fund repairs, allowing the schools to reopen quickly.

Several familiar faces from the travel advisor community were present that morning.

Travelweek spoke with a few of them, who identified as the ‘original gang,’ and confirmed that they have supported Jam-Walk for the past four or five years.

When asked what keeps bringing them back, the unanimous response was: Jamaica – both their affinity for the island and their desire to give back.

For more information on HHFJ, click here.

Lead image caption: More than two dozen community-minded travel advisors laced up to give back at Jam-Walk 2026 along with Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada for the JTB (all photos courtesy Annie Cicvaric)

The JTB’s Angella Bennett and Judy Nash with Travelweek’s Annie Cicvaric and fellow travel industry professionals