The 17th annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards is set to honor its distinguished recipients for 2026, celebrating a night dedicated to recognizing individuals who support scholarships for Caribbean students.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, and will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located at 181 Wellington Street West in Toronto, commencing at 5:30 PM EST, according to a release from the organizers.
Presented by The University of the West Indies, and themed “Unlocking Brilliance,” this year’s occasion, “reflects UWI’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent, leadership, and opportunity across the Caribbean and its global diaspora.”
“This is a powerful night of purpose and pride,” says Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Patron of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards. “For 16 years, Canadians have supported the cause of ensuring that students in the Caribbean are afforded the chance to fulfill their dreams of education. We have met the moment, built bridges of hope, and lit the way. This year, with great fervour, we will ‘unlock the brilliance of students’ whilst celebrating once again leaders who, by their works, have demonstrated the results of how unlocking potential transforms communities. Now more than ever, with several existential threats worldwide, we must stand firm in unity in the belief that education will change the world.”
Reportedly, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards draws corporate leaders, cultural icons, public figures, and community advocates committed to giving back.
2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Honorees
• Luminary Award: Mrs. Ayesha Curry – Celebrated entrepreneur, philanthropist, and health advocate dedicated to community development, cultural empowerment, and purposeful leadership.
• Luminary Award: Ms. Tonya Williams, O.C. – Award-winning actress and producer, founder of initiatives promoting diversity in media and film, and a prominent figure advocating for inclusion and cultural representation.
• G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Sam Ibrahim – Respected business executive and philanthropist known for his commitment to community development and social impact projects.
• Chancellor’s Award:
– Black Opportunity Fund – A transformative organization that invests in economic, educational, and leadership opportunities for Black communities.
– Lifelong Leadership Institute – An innovative institution focused on leadership training and ongoing education.
• Vice-Chancellor’s Award:
– The Honourable Marci Ien – Former Member of Parliament and acclaimed broadcaster, recognized for her advocacy, public service, and leadership within communities.
– The Honourable Justice Donald F. McLeod – Renowned jurist honored for decades of service advancing justice, equity, and civic responsibility.
• Patron’s Award: Sagicor – Recognized for its longstanding dedication to education, community engagement, and scholarship funding.
Mrs. Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Chair of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, commented, “In addition to its core mission of funding scholarships for Caribbean students, a portion of the proceeds from the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards will be directed toward Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, supporting recovery and rebuilding initiatives in affected Jamaican communities.”
To date, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded over 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students. The event continues to be an important platform for promoting higher education access and addressing the evolving needs of the region.
Media Session: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (with Honorees, Patrons, and select VIPs)
Red Carpet Cocktail Hour: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner, Awards Ceremony & Entertainment: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Post-Event Celebration: 10:00 PM – Midnight
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