Couple fundraises to benefit elementary school in Jamaica
Starting off by serving traditional Jamaican fare, like jerk chicken, at the Orangeville Farmers' Market over the summer, they raised money for the school. They also held three car washes with all the proceeds going to buy supplies.

With the money they raised they were able to send two shipments of supplies to St. Thomas, Jamaica.

In the first shipment there were computers, food and hygiene products. With the attention that the first shipment got, more people started donating and the second shipment was able to include 200 acrylic place settings, maintenance tools like rakes, shovels and a pressure washer, as well as a trampoline and soccer balls.

"We've been doing this for a year now," Cyd said about the work her husband and her have done.

It's just the two of them working during their spare time to keep raising money and funding the school. On March 1, in a bid to raise more funds, they held a Jamaican dinner. With special help from For Goodness Sake deli, who donated their facility, and The Village Coffee House, which donated coffee and cream, they were able to prepare a traditional meal.

Michael did all the cooking and served up portions of ox tail, jerk chicken and rice with peas.

All their cooking has paid off with improvements being made at Seaforth primary school.

"The stuff (shipment of supplies) got to the school and gradually the principal started handing out stuff to the kids," says Cyd. "The kitchen was very run down and dirty. You wouldn't want your kids taking stuff out of that kitchen. But now it has new ovens, ceramic floors and has been repainted. It looks great!"

Since the Blakes have started sending supplies to Seaforth Primary, the Jamaican government has taken notice of the sponsorship and has hopped on the bandwagon to help out.

Cyd and Michael don't plan on stopping any time soon and hope to continue their fundraising efforts this summer by selling food in the market again. Their work has become an officially registered charity called the Seaforth Primary School Renovation Fund. To donate or find ways to volunteer, contact the Blakes at 519-942-0863.

Cyd Blake