D’Angel hosts back-to-school treat today

Dancehall artiste D'Angel, in response to desperate cries from mothers who are struggling, is hosting her first-ever back-to-school treat today at the Municipal Park in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

D'Angel, whose given name is Michelle Downer, is no stranger to philanthropy, and has an annual giveback in December, as well as other one-off, long- and short-term projects during the year. She is the recipient of the 2023 Irie FM Humanitarian Award.

"I'm always doing food, but this year the outpouring of mothers asking for help was overwhelming. So, at the last minute I decided to drop everything I'm doing and go in hard on this," D'Angel told T HE STAR.

"I started the drive two weeks now and I barely slept. My goal is to donate back-to-school supplies to 400 kids that are less fortunate. My mother never had it when I was growing up so I understand the frustration of mothers, especially at this time when they want to send off their kids looking their best," explained the entertainer, who is a product of Spanish Town.

The Gud Gyal singer noted that she has not let a lack of sponsorship deter her from her goals, and shared that she used other creative means for fundraising, including calling on friends in corporate and music who can always be depended on.

"It's short notice so getting sponsors on board would be challenging. But I never let that deter me. I went in full force and reached out to fans via social media, and one of my close associates in corporate, Dwight Lue, who always supports my charitable initiatives. I also partnered with Marcia Campbell from We Care Jamaica organisation to make this possible. Also my co-worker, Razor B, donated towards the cause as we are on the same mission for change," she said.