Wee International (WI) is a Carnival band with a conscience, as the band digs into its profits each year to donate money to worthy causes. Maintaining its six-year tradition this year, WI mas band is donating all of its profits from Carnival Monday to the Cerebral Palsy Society of T&T. Masqueraders from the band will parade the streets on Carnival Monday in green (the signature colour of Cerebral Palsy) to bring awareness to the cause.
WI PRO Celeste Augustine explained: "This initiative, called Play Mas with a Purpose, began in 2011 when a former committee member brought the idea from a Breast Cancer awareness walk she had attended in Miami. All participants of that walk were asked to wear a Carnival headpiece since many of them had Caribbean backgrounds. Bandleader Rickie Davidson agreed to adopt the concept and expand it so that the band donated all of its profits to a society.
"Carnival Monday of 2011 had been dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness where all masqueraders wore T-shirts that were pink (the signature colour for the cause) and sported the logo (pink ribbon). Since then, the band has dedicated every Carnival Monday to highlight a cause which affects Caribbean."
For the past five months, Augustine, together with Keston Lazare and a small team, have been involved in any activism staged by the Cerebral Palsy Society. The goal this year is not only to provide financial support but to be fully immersed in all activities. Augustine said: "This is consistent with Rickie's belief that a profit is not always financial but can also be social and used to improve person's lives.
"The Play Mas with a Purpose team has, therefore, donated pampers and food supplies to the society. We have formed bonds with some of the parents and have heard many of their stories in a bid to understand the ailment. The committee has been giving Carnival Monday costumes to members of the society, along with their parents, who are interested in participating in the parade of bands. We have special arrangements to cater to any of their needs on that day."
Cerebral Palsy Society president Phillip Metivier believes that many persons with CP in T&T are undiagnosed. He also wishes to spread awareness of the issue since many parents have yet to understand it. Metivier has told Play Mas with a Purpose that much of the government funding which parents of CP children would receive has been cut and he has, therefore, thanked Play Mas with a Purpose and Davidson for the offer to assist. He hopes that the coverage which the society receives would help in their plea for increased public and private support.
Record of Wee International charitable deeds:
2011 - Breast Cancer Awareness (Pink Monday)
2012 - End Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery (Blue Monday)
2013 - End Violence Against Women and Children (Purple Monday)
2014 - HIV/Aids Awareness (Red Monday)
2016 - Autism Awareness (Multicoloured Monday)