By Gerald V. Paul

Jambana, a massive cultural movement in Toronto, is coming to the aid of Haiti.

Th annual Jambana Festival is presented by Air Jamaica, and produced by Jones and Jones, and will take place on Monday, August 2, from 1pm at Downsview Park.

Based on gate receipts, Jambana’s objective is to build a double unit concrete home in Haiti.

For the Haiti project, Jambana is working in association with the not-for-profit organizations “Friends For the Poor,” headed by Father Ho Lung and the “Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.”

Food For the Poor believes adequate housing and proper sanitation facilities are a basic human right and that people deserve a decent place to live and a healthy environment with personal care.

Teresa Castellucci, an exponent and proponent on the Reggae music and Caribbean culture, told The Camera on Wednesday, “The Calvaire Housing and Sanitation Project provides 10 destitute families with a new and sturdy dwelling and a sanitation unit. Not only will these new lodgings provide families with clean, dry and inhabitable living accommodations, home ownership will help families retain unity, regain dignity, and attain a better quality of life.”

Castellucci noted that for the homeowner, (typically, homes are deeded to the female head of the household to ensure shelter for children,) these modest houses are nothing short of a miracle…an answer from relentless prayers for a safe and adequate home in which to raise their family.

Food for the Poor homes are built on a cement foundation, using concrete blocks and the structure is covered with galvanized sheet roofing.

Jambana will encompass a food court, a children’s village, travel and trade fair, Dominoes, and Health and VIP Villages.

Among the artistes carded to peform are Blessed, Sabu Grant, Baby Boyz Dancers, Steele and Jumo, from Byron Lee Dragonnaires.

For more information visit www.jambana.com