The Jamaica Ex-Soldiers Association (JESA) was officially constituted on June 15, 1992 in the province of Ontario. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization operating in Canada. JESA's mandate is to aid needy organizations and other worthwhile causes in Canada and Jamaica.
Health and education have been our main focus to date. Over the years, JESA has supported the Curphey Home in Jamaica (a home for retired Jamaican service personnel). We have adopted a youth organization in Toronto, "Recognize the Real", whose goal is to empower youth to recognize the power within themselves to accomplish their goals. JESA offers bursaries to students entering post-secondary educational institutions as well as sponsoring the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Association's annual scholarship program. In addition we support the fundraising initiatives of the Jamaican Alumni Associations and other community initiatives that include the Jane and Finch Annual Basketball Tournament. Donations of various items such as wheelchairs, clothing, food, medical supplies, and books have also been made to several community organizations.
Funding for JESA's objectives has been obtained primarily from on-going fundraising events, the main one of which is Annual Banquet that is held in November each year. Funds have also been derived from contributions allocated by local businesses and corporations. Moving forward, our goal is to expand and grow our support base and build on our relationships with other community organizations so that we can increase the assistance we give locally and in Jamaica.
The continued success of a non-profit organization is a direct result of the commitment and enthusiasm of its membership and the support of its sponsors. Increasing and sustaining our membership has been and continues to be one of our goals. We have made great strides in this area and will continue to improve our profile within our community.
JESA is unfailing in our pursuit to realize our dreams of improving the lives of individuals. With the dedication of our members and community partners we are confident that we will continue to grow and be a positive force in our community.
