News of the state of Grand Bahama and Abaco after Hurricane Dorian has reached a global audience. The amount of international aid has been a godsend. The need is great however and it will take years to rebuild.

4,760 km miles away in Vancouver, Canada, Bahamian Lillamae Toppin  felt she had to do something for her people. She's been living in British Columbia's west coast in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver for over 40 years. She is the brainchild behind, "An Evening for The Bahamas" fundraiser being held on Oct. 27, 2019.

"My heart aches for my people," said Lilla a semi-retired nurse whose husband is a retired vascular surgeon. Lilla turned to her Caribbean friends in her area and via a mutual friend, Lilla was introduced to Robbin Whachell, co-founder of The Bahamas Weekly who lives close by. After several phone calls brainstorming about the event, Lilla invited Robbin to her planning meeting with her team and Caribbean / Bahamian Nationals in B.C. (CBNIBC) was born.

"It's certainly hard when you live so far away," said Whachell, "and you want to do something, but you can't directly be there for the rebuilding. It's also hard knowing who to donate funds to as well. It was great to connect with Lilla. There are many Bahamians living in BC and this is an opportunity to come together and support."

"It broke my heart to see the devastation and know that the islands will take years to rebuild and rebuilding the hospitals is key," said Lilla after hearing and seeing photos of how Abaco and Grand Bahama were affected. Lilla and her CBNIBC have partnered with Food for the Poor Canada who will assist with tax receipts for donations above $50.

An Evening for The Bahamas will take place on Sunday, Oct. 27 at Burnaby Hall, and will showcase the sights and sounds of The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Androsia Wilde (Bahamian Lindsay Braynen will perform two numbers at An Evening for The Bahamas on Oct. 27 in Canada

Confirmed to perform along with other artists at the event is Bahamian actor and dancer Lindsay Braynen (stage name Androsia Wilde) who was recently interviewed by CTV News in Canada after Hurricane Dorian.

Also performing is five-time Juno award nominee and one of Canada’s most dynamic inspirational performers, Kelita. 

Local Caribbean DJ Daddy Mikey, Earl The Pearl and DJ Bradley will be providing music throughout the evening.

Tickets for the event are $100 and available for purchase through Eventbrite.ca.

A donation link for those wanting to contribute but not able to attend is available HERE via Food For the Poor Canada.

RSVP or show Interest to the: Facebook event page.

Five time Juno award nominee Kelita will perform at An Evening for The Bahamas on Oct. 27 in Canada.