12-year-old gives daycare for children of VJH and KPH staff a facelift

Children of staff at the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee hospitals now have a more comfortable space where they can read, play or relax while they wait on their parents.

The staff daycare, which serves children of all categories of employees at the adjoining hospitals, has been transformed through a donation of more than Can$15,000 from talented 12-year-old Canadian-Jamaican philanthropist, Jazmin Headley, through her JAZZ Me Foundation.

Dubbed the ‘Jazmin Corner’, the area is now equipped with a selection of books, dolls, games and interactive toys, thoughtfully curated to bring smiles and laughter to the children.

It was officially handed over this week at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH).

The initiative was executed through sponsorship from Cal’s Distributors and Emirates Facial & Dental Implant Centre, which were also present at the handover ceremony.

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Jazmin's philanthropic spirit was ignited four years ago during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Motivated by the abundance of gifts she received on various occasions that went unused, the talented young actress and singer, whose parents are Jamaican, chose to share her blessings with those less fortunate.

The Jazmin Corner at the VJH is the second such facility on the island. The first was established at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon, and there are plans to set up a Jazmin Corner at the Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth.

Jazmin said that the intention is for the initiative to expand across hospitals in Jamaica to lift the hearts of young patients.

Chief Executive Officer of the KPH and VJH, Natalie Whylie, expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff.

“For us as healthcare workers, the job comes with significant sacrifices. We spend all our time at work, including holidays and on night duty, and so it comes at a cost and the cost usually is that of our families. So, the daycare really provides a safe space where, as we focus on extending care to others, we know that our own children are safe.

“So, the gift today, Jazmin, is a gift that is not just to the children but it's also a gift to the parents so, as we care, we know that our children are cared for,” Whylie said.