10-yr-old sold water on streets to raise $$ for Peebles Hospital
“I am very thankful for the donation from all the people today,” said 10 year old Jaleel F. Cameron at yesterday’s, March 9, 2015 Commonwealth Day Ceremony at the Central Administration Complex as he surpassed his targeted of $5,000.
Up to yesterday, Cameron was $400 shy of his target but after the public was encouraged by Chairperson of the morning’s proceedings Mr David D. Archer to support the cause, the total at the end of the Commonwealth Day celebrations amounted to $6,020.00.
The story of what led this young lad to set out on his mission of selling water at his church and on the streets on weekends to raise money for charity was found to be very moving as he spoke with reporters following the ceremony.
Epilepsy diagnosis experience the motivation
Cameron recalled that it was during the latter half of 2014 that he had to be hospitalised locally but was soon after referred overseas to access the care he needed as it was not possible at Peebles Hospital. “I was diagnosed with epilepsy but I didn’t get the thing (diagnosis) here, I got it in the States (USA) because there was not a Neurologist here on staff and they didn’t have the machine to run the tests. So I was just thinking that I could help to buy the machine and get a neurologist or something,” he said.
This was further confirmed by his mother Candy I. James who said that after being admitted locally, her son was taken to Puerto Rico where he was referred to a speciality hospital for children in Miami where he was diagnosed with epilepsy.
“After he started his medication to lessen the seizures he came up with this plan. The hospital was being built and he wanted to make sure that they had the necessary equipment for children like him, that’s what he says so we started supporting him in selling water in order to donate some money. So he insisted that he raise $5,000 and up because he wants his name to be on a plaque,” said Mrs James.
Having his name mounted on a plaque would be in order for the 10-year-old who was showered with praises during yesterday’s ceremony. In the meantime; however, Jaleel F. Cameron was chosen to hoist the Commonwealth Flag, something he did with pride.
‘Wise beyond his years’
Jaleel was selected to raise the Commonwealth Flag in recognition of his efforts to raise funds for the Children’s Unit at the new Peebles Hospital.
The 10-year old is said to be very active in the St George’s Anglican Church and excels academically.
He has been inducted into the National Elementary Honour Society, is a member of Rotary’s EarlyAct Club at the St Georges Primary School, and is a volunteer member of the BVI Junior Red Cross. He is also a member of the National Boys Choir and a member of God’s Treasures, a programme offered by the Anglican Church for youth.
As a student of Harrigan’s Music School, Jaleel is mastering the piano and hopes to be his church’s organist one day.
His interests and hobbies stem from studying the Word of God, playing music, dancing, singing, gaming and studying cars and the way they work. He has been described as wise beyond his years, and is always willing to help.
Cameron among dignitaries!
Jaleel F. Cameron was among Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Mayors and other dignitaries around the world who joined to raise more than 730 Commonwealth Flags on Commonwealth Day in a shared celebration of a family of nations that encompasses the globe.
The Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth initiative, now in its second year, is catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth.
As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens around the world.
Commonwealth Day 2015 was observed under the theme, “A Young Commonwealth”.
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14 Responses to “10-yr-old sold water on streets to raise $$ for Peebles Hospital”
This event was a flop…let the NDP blogges talk that just like the opening of education week was a big flop…