Philanthropists Myron and Berna Garron to be Honoured at 2025 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards

TORONTO, Canada – Philanthropists Myron and Berna Garron, whose extraordinary generosity has revolutionized pediatric healthcare in Canada and beyond, will be recognized at the 16th annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards. The couple will receive the prestigious G. Raymond Chang Award for their lifelong commitment to improving children’s lives, particularly through their contributions to pediatric cancer care.

Hailing from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Berna Garron and her husband Myron have deep ties to the Caribbean. In 1973, the Garrons resided in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where their youngest son, Anthony, was born. At the time, Myron was working in banking and had accepted a transfer to Montego Bay with Scotiabank.

Their commitment to pediatric healthcare was fueled by personal tragedy. Their eldest son, Michael, was initially misdiagnosed with a common ganglion cyst at the age of three in Hamilton, Canada. While living in Jamaica, a specialist in Kingston conducted exploratory surgery and urged the family to return to Canada for further medical care. Michael was later diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, and tragically passed away at the age of 13.

Determined to honor his memory, the Garrons became champions in the fight against childhood cancer. They established the Garron Family Cancer Centre at SickKids Hospital, supporting groundbreaking pediatric cancer research and significantly advancing pediatric oncology care. Their philanthropic efforts have contributed over $50 million toward state-of-the-art equipment, critical research, and treatment initiatives. Beyond Canada, their generosity has extended to the Caribbean through SickKids’ global outreach programs, benefiting children battling cancer in the region.

The 16th annual UWI Toronto Benefit Awards will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto. The event, which celebrates excellence and philanthropy, will also honour several distinguished individuals and organizations:

• Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall), multi-platinum rapper, producer, Def Jam Global A&R executive, and judge on Canada’s Got Talent.
• Chancellor’s Award: Onyx Initiative, a non-profit organization founded by Wayne and Nigela Purboo, dedicated to closing the gap in the recruitment and promotion of Black college and university students in corporate Canada.
• Vice Chancellor’s Award:
  • Dr. Mark Beckles, RBC Royal Bank’s Community Investment Initiatives lead and President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada).
  • Ms. Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and co-founder of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada.
  • Ms. Leslie Woo, CEO of CivicAction and founder of shebuildscities.org.

Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Co-Patron, emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it serves as a platform to bridge communities, foster education, and recognize leaders who are shaping a better future.

The 2025 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards promises an evening of inspiration and celebration, highlighting individuals whose contributions are making a lasting impact in Canada and the Caribbean.

For more information about the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, visit www.uwitorontogala.org.

SOURCE FKB Media

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