The volunteers and supporters of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) gathered to celebrate the organization at its fundraising gala and volunteer appreciation night.
The community turned out to the Old Town Hall Oct. 26 to donate to the anti-racism non-profit organization as it celebrated five years of operation. Dignitaries and organization members took turns speaking to highlight the accomplishments of NACCA and its impact on the community as a whole.
NACCA chair Jerisha Grant-Hall said the sight of all the support was heartwarming.
“The combination of all of the hard work and sweat for the last five years, just sitting back and looking at the story of how we started and where we are and how far we need to go,” she said.
The event recognized NACCA volunteers with a series of award presentations. A dinner and silent auction went throughout, with visitors encouraged to donate to support NACCA and its efforts to address racial disparity, mental health and food insecurity.
Grant-Hall highlighted many statistics from the organization since its establishment in 2018, including $500,000 invested since the group’s inception, more than 40 families currently assisted with food insecurity and 14 mental health consultants currently connected to NACCA.
“We hope you will continue to walk with us on our journey to serve as a community hub that will support and strengthen the present and future outcomes of the Black community,” Grant-Hall said.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor recalled Grant-Hall starting NACCA five years ago and asking the town to come along on that journey.
“I remain eternally grateful for that,” Taylor said. “You’re making us become a more mature community, a more inclusive community, and a community that is ready to take the next step, the next step, the next step. I say that because I recognize there are many steps to go.”
Speakers from NACCA also highlighted the many activities the organization has done, from starting a community garden plot to grow food, to running a summer camp, to providing dozens of scholarships for Black students from throughout York Region.
Wassim Jarrah earned one of two donor awards on the night. Each award winner made a video about their award and support for NACCA.
“I believe people should volunteer and donate to NACCA because the organization is at the forefront of positive social change,” Jarrah said. “Together, we can create a better and more just future for all.”
Other award winners included:
- Volunteerism — Paul Lubberts
- Leadership — Alicia Katsavos
- Collaborator award — Lee Miller
- Donor award — Sonia Martin Lewis
- Nia-Ujima Award — Ashley and Patrick Arkevel
Grant-Hall said NACCA would continue working toward creating a healthy community, and it is not a sprint, but a marathon.
“We’ll reach that end goal of a more equitable, safe and just society,” she said. “Sometimes, people don’t understand that if all of us aren’t free, none of us are free.”
