Wisynco's William Mahfood donates this $1 million cheque to Shaggy's 'Make A Difference' campaign. - Ricardo Makyn photos

Despite all the money being donated, the launch of 'Shaggy and Friends' at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, St Andrew, was still a sombre occasion.

The fund-raising event will take place on January 3 on the lawns of Jamaica House, St. Andrew. The concert is being staged to raise funds for Shaggy's Make A Difference Foundation, which will assist in buying and maintaining equipment for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Shaggy told the gathering he was aiming to raise US$2 million for the charity. However, he said he was aware that all of that money might not be raised at once.

Made a commitment

Several sponsors were on hand to make their cheque donations. Digicel gave $500,000 directly to the hospital and pledged to buy another $500,000 worth of tickets for the concert.

Bank of Nova Scotia, which has been partnering with Shaggy to raise funds for the hospital for years, donated $1 million.

Sagicor (formerly Life of Jamaica) donated $1 million and also made a commitment to give the hospital $5 million over a period of time. Wisynco also donated $1 million and it was announced that Jamaica National will make a $500,000-cheque donation later.

Yet, the event was sad with Dr Lambert Innis, head of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, noting the problems faced by the that the hospital in treating its patients.

Gospel artiste Ryan Mark, who prayed earlier, spoke about the death of his child in January, due in part because equipment was lacking at the hospital. He said this urged him to get on-board.

There was also the testimony of Kadian Macintosh and Jason Anderson, whose daughter Ashley Anderson is being treated at the hospital. Their daughter's case was one of the things that prompted Shaggy to stage the concert.

Help for hospital

During this time, Shaggy was almost in tears. However, he maintained his composure enough to thank those who came on-board to support the cause.

He was especially pleased with the many artistes who were willing to perform at the concert for free. These include Macy Gray, J Holiday, Sean Kingston, Etana, Tarrus Riley and Buju Banton.

"Not one artiste weh mi call seh no," said Shaggy. He said even the artistes who have conflicting dates have pledged to help with the campaign or buy tickets. Others, he said, have been calling him to get a chance to perform.

A public service announcement for the 'Make A Difference' campaign was also shown in which Shaggy pleaded for help for the hospital. So too did Christopher Martin, Tessanne Chin, Da'Ville, Marcia Griffiths and Paula-Anne Porter-Jones.

Information about the tickets, which range from $5,000 to $15,000, will be disclosed via the press later. Shaggy said there will also be a private VIP dinner and auction backstage where patrons and performers will get a chance to mingle.

Karl Williams and Bernita Locke (both from Sagicor Life of Jamaica) give this $1 million cheque to Shaggy, which will go towards his 'Make A Difference' campaign in aid of Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Debbie Clue from Bank of Nova Scotia presents this cheque to Shaggy's 'Make A Difference' campaign.