By: Yog Rahi Gupta
A Night of Purpose, Unity, and Impact-
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Caribbean Canada Heart Health Education (CCHHE) organization hosted its annual Gala Fundraising Dinner at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park Polo Park in Winnipeg. The evening brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and supporters for a meaningful cause—promoting cardiovascular health and supporting humanitarian efforts.
The program commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Paramjit Tappia, who also delivered a thoughtful land acknowledgement. Following the singing of O Canada, distinguished guests from all levels of government shared their greetings and appreciation for the organization’s work.
Hon. Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, commended CCHHE for its ongoing contributions to cardiovascular health awareness and youth development. Reflecting on his own experiences, he highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and acknowledged the organization’s long-standing efforts since its inception. He also praised the leadership of Dr. Naranjan Dhalla and the dedication of individuals like Kamta Roy Singh.
Hon. Malaya Marcelino, Manitoba’s Minister of Labour and Immigration, emphasized the vital contributions of the Caribbean community in building the province and announced a recent $22.1 million investment toward cardiovascular research. Markus Chambers, Deputy Mayor and Councillor, recognized the organization’s humanitarian outreach, including the shipment of medical supplies to Caribbean nations and support for hurricane-affected communities. Willard Reaves, Leader of the Liberal Party of Manitoba, also applauded the organization’s selfless service.
A heartfelt appeal was made by Kevin Stewart, President of International Hope Canada, encouraging attendees to donate medical equipment for those in need, reinforcing the evening’s spirit of giving.
President Kamta Roy Singh delivered an inspiring welcome address, highlighting the journey of CCHHE since its founding in 2015. From a small conversation among visionaries, the organization has grown into a powerful force for health education, community engagement, and humanitarian service. He emphasized the importance of unity, stating that “when one of us moves forward, we all move forward.” Funds raised this year will also support victims of the devastating hurricane in Jamaica. The evening continued with grace led by Joseph Marrast, followed by dinner service.
A key highlight of the night was the keynote address by Dr. Shelley Zieroth, a renowned cardiologist from St. Boniface Hospital and Professor at the University of Manitoba. Her presentation, titled “Know Your Enemy,” shed light on cardiovascular risks, particularly in women, and emphasized the importance of prevention, awareness, and lifestyle changes. She also addressed the growing concern of medical misinformation on social media, urging individuals to seek reliable health information.
Her powerful message included a striking statistic: heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of premature death among women in Canada, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths. The presentation served as a wake-up call for many attendees. The evening also celebrated academic excellence with scholarship presentations and recognized community leaders through special awards.
The event concluded with a warm and engaging vote of thanks by Kris Ramchandar, who acknowledged the contributions of volunteers, sponsors, speakers, and attendees. With over 300 guests in attendance, the event was a resounding success—filled with purpose, gratitude, and community spirit.
As the formal program ended, guests transitioned into an evening of fellowship, music, and celebration—truly reflecting the vibrant Caribbean spirit.
In every sense, the evening was not just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of compassion, collaboration, and commitment to a healthier future.