Local charity organisation, United Way of Jamaica (UWJ), has partnered with the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel to present ‘LIVE United for Mom’, a Mother’s Day brunch and celebrity fashion show on Sunday, May 8, in the Pegasus ballroom.

The event will mark the much-anticipated resumption of the organisation’s annual fundraising activities, which have been significantly disrupted due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The past two years have really tested our resolve,” noted Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham, chairperson of the board of governors at the UWJ. “The pandemic meant that there was a drastic and immediate increase in the needs of already vulnerable Jamaicans. We, like so many other outreach organisations, had to take a step back, re-examine our commitment to doing good, and devise strategic ways of continuing to champion our causes.”

Over the span of almost 4 decades, UWJ has remained invested in creating social value in education, health, and income generation, with the aim of empowering Jamaicans in need with the means to transform their lives. The organisation is known for working across a vast network of experts, and community-based groups, as well as forging private and public partnerships to effect change, with its lifeline being its ability to mobilise resources.

With obstacles such as the pandemic, in addition to a fire which ravaged parts of the organization’s facilities, operations have been strained. The reopening of the entertainment sector indicates an opportunity to reinvigorate fundraising efforts.

“We decided on a celebrity fashion show because we thought it was a fantastic way to invite people from across our network to come out and recommit themselves to a worthy cause, while having an enjoyable time. With partners like Heather Laine Fashions, and the legendary Fab 5 and Gem Myers on board, we know that our supporters will be in for a treat. The entire process has been a reminder that the spirit of philanthropy is back on the rise,” noted Cunningham.

Other partners that are helping to make the fundraiser a reality include Sagicor Group, JN Bank, Proven, Citi Jamaica, Sherwin Williams and FHC Investments.

The event will be under the distinguished patronage of Custos Rotulorum for St. Andrew, Ian Forbes. Gates open at 10:30 am and proceeds are in support of the nation-building efforts of the United Way of Jamaica.