Celebrity Jencarlos Canela at Back to School Event

The IRC Miami office Back-to-School event enabled refugee families an opportunity to obtain school supplies for their children. Jencarlos Canela, a renowned musician and actor in the Latin community, participated in the donation. As an IRC voice, Jencarlos not only supports the efforts of the non-profit but he lends his assistance as well. This event proved to be memorable not only for Jencarlos but also for the children. Upon registration, every child was given a colored sticker based on their grade level. Elementary students received red, Middle School kids received green, and High school students received yellow. Once registered, families were ushered into the conference room where the distribution would take place. Volunteers were at hand throughout the entire event, helping to distribute food and register families. Once the distribution commenced, a photo was taken of each child as they received their backpacks from Jencarlos. By the end of the day each child received a backpack full of school supplies and the reassurance that this school year they will be prepared.

After the distribution, Jencarlos took a moment to film a message to the people of Haiti. Beside him was an IRC intern who acted as the Creole interpreter and assisted him in delivering his powerful message. Throughout his speech he invoked a sense that not all hope was lost. An inspirational message that not only looked beyond today, but aimed for a better tomorrow. He expressed his eagerness to visit the earthquake ravished country and lend a helping hand.