When Shaggy isn’t pursuing a new album with Sting, he’s nonchalantly raising $800,000 for a Children’s Hospital in Jamaica! The money was raised from his annual benefit concert held through his Shaggy and Friends foundation that included Sting, and Wyclef Jean, among others.
The $800,000 raised, which amounts to $100million in Jamaican currency, will be used to improve the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. “Big Thanks to all who were involved! All Artists, All Production Crew, Shaggy And Friends Staff, All Management and Staff at Bustamante Hospital,” Shaggy said.
Since its 2009 inception, his foundation has raised over $3million US dollars. The recent donations will be used to provide more beds for the hospital’s intensive care unit which currently only has five beds.
“What we are doing is helping a government-operated hospital, that’s all me a say. We are trying to make it easier for the Government and to ease a burden,” Shaggy says. “The ICU is very small and cannot even hold an extra bed so we have to find a way to move forward. We are still going to need partners, which includes a good and affordable construction company. We also have 150 pieces of medical equipment to turn in but we need to have the building ready first.”
[Related: Sting & Shaggy To Release Joint, Island-Influenced Record, 44/876]
Shaggy presented the check to the hospital on February 2nd following his January 6th benefit concert that included Doug E. Fresh, Aidonia, Barrington Levy, Capleton, Christopher Martin, Dexta Daps, Shenseea and more. We salute Shaggy on his charitable contributions and using his platform for the better.
On April 20th, Shaggy will release a joint record with Sting, titled 44/876.
Related Links:
Shaggy Foundation Website
Shaggy Website
Shaggy Facebook
Article By: Mike Patti
Listen: Sting & Shaggy – “Don’t Make Me Wait”
