Archbishop Emeritus Dufour honoured with lifetime achievement award
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THE MOST Reverend Charles Dufour, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston, and founder of the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Florida based Friends of Good Shepherd International Inc (FOGS), which has also launched a scholarship in his name.
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The award was presented at FOGS’ 29th Annual Fundraising Gala, held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Sunrise, Florida, on April 26, and was the organisation’s Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. The gala itself serves as a major fundraising event to support numerous charitable projects across Jamaica, including the Good Shepherd Foundation and Mustard Seed Communities.
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In presenting the award, FOGS President Ivan Foreman praised the archbishop’s tireless commitment to social justice, healthcare, and education.
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“Our Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those rare individuals who devote their lives to the service of others and lead by inspiring example,” said Foreman. “Who better than Archbishop Emeritus Charles Dufour to set the standard for this honour?”
An evidently moved Archbishop Dufour accepted the award with characteristic humility, reflecting on the essential role that Friends of Good Shepherd International has played in improving the lives of Jamaica’s most vulnerable.
Dufour was ordained in 1970 and is the recipient of the Jamaican Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation, awarded in 1983, and was appointed an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness in 1991.
Guest speaker Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, in delivering a heartfelt address, recalled his long friendship with Dufour. Bartlett highlighted Dufour’s grace, humility, and unrelenting passion for the poor and marginalised. He urged the South Florida business and professional community to continue their support of the Friends of Good Shepherd’s work in Jamaica.
Jeanne Robinson-foster, chair of the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay, in her remarks, praised the enduring partnership between the local foundation and the Florida-based charity, particularly their joint support of the Hope Medical Complex in Montego Bay.
Robinson-foster extended special thanks to Schiller Americas, manufacturers of medical equipment, that donated a stress machine, patient monitor, laptop, and treadmill to Hope Medical last year.
She also paid tribute to the tireless work of retired islandbased cardiologist Dr Glen Lalljie, noting the significant impact of his volunteer service at the Hope (Teaching) Health Clinic.
Schiller Americas copped the FOGS 2025 corporate award in recognition of the support the company offered to the medical facility, with David Campos collecting the award from Charles and Elaine Kong, long-time supporters of the Good Shepherd Foundation.
Food For The Poor was the banner sponsor for the event, with representative Michael Chin Quee closing the programme with a prayer.
Miramar Charity closes out year with over $80,000 in donation to education and healthcare both locally and in Jamaica.
Press Release: December 01, 2023
Charities in Montego Bay, Jamaica, received a much needed boost on Friday, November 23, when members of the Miramar-based Friends of Good Shepherd International Inc. (FOGS) presented checks totaling over US$13,000.00 to respective charities, during a presentation ceremony at the Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Center in Montego Bay.
A press release from the organization noted that since the start of the year, FOGS has donated over US$70,000.00 to charities on the island. This includes $3,000 for scholarships awarded in South Florida.
Jacques Davis, a former Vice President of FOGS, who made the presentation noted that the funds were derived from successful fundraisers staged by the organization throughout the year. A substantial amount of the total contribution for the year was raised at FOGS’ annual fundraising gala held in June.
In making the presentation, Mr. Davis, lauded the business and professional communities of South Florida for their support of FOGS over the years. Friday’s visit was just a continuation of the organization’s commitment to the people of Jamaica, the release noted.
According to the Release, since the inception of FOGS over 26 years ago, the local charity has been a major supporter of charities throughout the Caribbean and within the United States. Â Among the groups supported in Jamaica are, the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay, Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Center, Village of Hope (formerly Hope Hospice), Mustard Seed Communities and several educational programs. Other recipients include Haiti, Trinidad and the Phillipines.
Some of the major supporters over the years have been, Vitas Healthcare, Food for the Poor, Inc., LEASA Industries, Caribbean Food Delights, according to the release.
Already plans are underway for the staging of the groups’ annual fundraising gala slated for early June 2024.
THANK YOU Antilles Freight for making this shipment of clothing and medical equipment to Jamaica possible!
Thank you, Marie Buteau
During her tenure at Friends of Good Shepherd International, Inc. Marie's exemplary leadership and compassion inspired the FOGS Team to achieve great things. Marie continues to actively serve our community.
PRESS RELEASE
April 10, 2023
Plans are well underway for the staging of the Friends of Good Shepherd International Inc., (FOGS) fundraising gala, slated for Saturday, June 3rd, at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Sunrise, Florida.
The Miramar based Charity, which this year celebrates 27 years of service to the poor and disadvantaged both locally and primarily in Jamaica, expects the event to attract a wide cross section of the South Florida business and professional communities.
Since its inception, FOGS has raised and donated over US $1.5 million dollars to assist the poor primarily in healthcare and education.
Press Release
April 10, 2023
Among the facilities supported by the organization are: The Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Complex and Hope Hospice (Village of Hope), located in Montego Bay; Mustard Seed Communities; and educational advancement programs and other outreach programs throughout the island.
The Gala is an annual event, but due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the event was not held in the past three years. Unfortunately, the suspension of the gala adversely impacted the organization’s operation. However, this year’s staging is expected to see support comparable to the pre-pandemic fundraisers.
Newly elected President of the organization, Mr. Andrew Foreman is confident that the gala will be a memorable occasion. A major highlight of the evening will be a tribute to the immediate past president, Marie Buteau, who stepped down in November 2022, after 26 years at the helm.
Press Release
April 10, 2023
In keeping with its mission of promoting education, healthcare and child care, the group will continue its practice of awarding scholarships at the Gala to local students in Broward County. So far, several students from the tri-county of Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, have been the beneficiaries of FOGS’ scholarship program since it was initiated over ten years ago.
Among the dignitaries slated to attend the function, is the Founder of the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay and Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston, Jamaica, Most Rev. and Hon. Charles Dufour. Patrons will also be able to view a video depicting the work supported on the island by the Florida group.
The Gala promises to be a night of fun and frolic and will feature some of Jamaica’s cultural richness. An awards presentation, Silent Auction, music by Titanium Vibes and entertainment by Wayne Armond, formerly of Chalice, will be the major highlights of the night.
Looking Back to Shape Our Future
Conversation with Archbishop Charles
Since our foundation in 2000, Friends of Good Shepherd International, Inc. has been working day and night to achieve our main mission: to help alleviate the hardships faced by the people who need it the most. We get closer to this goal through the generosity of friends like you. These past years have been challenging. Get involved!  Join in the conversation and be a part of the solution.
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This is your News Article. It’s a great place to update your visitors about industry news, or publish relevant announcements about your events, fundraisers, or organisation. You can also use this space to publish relevant tips and link to helpful resources for your visitors. Informational Articles can be a great way to position yourself as an authority in your field, and keep your visitors engaged. Choose a great image or photo to feature in your article or add a video for extra engagement! Keep it interesting and relevant so that your readers read it through till the very end.
