Sat | Jul 4, 2026

12-year-old donates CND$15,000 in books, dolls, toys to healthcare workers’ daycare

Published:Friday | October 25, 2024 | 12:06 AM
Jazmin Headley (second right), chief executive officer, Jazmin Foundation, presenting one of the donated items to Dr Natalie Whylie (second left), chief executive officer, Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals (VJH) during the handover ceremony fo
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Jazmin Headley (second right), chief executive officer, Jazmin Foundation, presenting one of the donated items to Dr Natalie Whylie (second left), chief executive officer, Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals (VJH) during the handover ceremony for the Jazmin Headley Corner on Wednesday at VJH. Also pictured are Ann Marie Mattison Leachman (left), daycare supervisor, VJH; and Elise Fairweather-Blackwood, director of nursing services, VJH.

JAZMIN HEADLEY, a talented 12-year-old Canadian-Jamaican philanthropist, actress and singer, has made a remarkable contribution by generously donating books, dolls, and toys valued at over CDN$15,000 to the staff daycare, serving employees at Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals. This initiative is part of her ongoing philanthropic efforts through the Jazz Me Foundation.

Headley’s philanthropic journey began four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the abundance of birthday gifts she received that she felt could bring joy to others in need. With the encouragement of her parents, she embraced the values of compassion and generosity, laying the foundation for her impactful charitable endeavours.

The Jazmin Corner, an inviting space for young patients to read and relax, was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH), marking the second such initiative after her first donation to May Pen Hospital in August 2023. During her speech, Headley expressed her hopes for the initiative to expand across hospitals in Jamaica, aiming to spread happiness and comfort to young patients in need.

Over the years, Headley has raised funds for wheelchairs, clothing, and other essential items, providing critical support to needy children in Jamaica and Canada. Her parents have been instrumental in guiding her efforts, helping to nurture her passion for giving.

In addition to her efforts, Cal’s Manufacturing Limited has also played a vital role in enhancing the daycare environment, providing paint, lumber, and fans to support beautification efforts across the daycare, commissary, and physiotherapy block.

Dr Natalie Whylie, CEO of Kingston Public & Victoria Jubilee hospitals, expressed gratitude to Headley and her family, Cal’s Manufacturing Limited and Emirates Facial & Dental Implant Centre for their generous donations. “These donations will not only benefit the children of our staff, but also support the healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to caring for others,” Dr Whylie stated. She commended Headley for her extraordinary kindness and wished her continued success on her philanthropic journey.