Jamaican model Camille McDonald moved by NY honour

Jamaican model Camille McDonald was the toast of the ‘Big Apple’ recently, receiving a proclamation and citation for her humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours in Jamaica. McDonald, who appeared on the popular America’s Next Top Model franchise in Cycles 2 and 17, was presented with a proclamation for her exemplary service to humanity by New York State Senator Kevin Parker of the 21st Senate District on September 26, at the 16th annual Arit Fuller Foundation Gala Dinner in Manhattan.

McDonald told The Gleaner that she was elated to be recognised for her hard work, although the honour initially caught her off guard. “When I was told that I would be honoured, I was initially floored. To be honest, tears came to my eyes because I have been actively involved in service since the age of 12,” she said.

Having never looked for a reward for her work, McDonald said the recognition was an incredible feeling and reassurance that her efforts have not been in vain. It has also strengthened her desire to continue her work with “grace and humility”, values she said were instilled in her through her upbringing and her years at Howard University, where she is an alumna.

“I believe that each generation should excel and become better than the last. I also believe in legacy and using the time you have here on Earth to do more than just seek monetary gains,” she added.

That commitment to service was also evident in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, as McDonald and her mother, through their company Cambridge Homecare LLC, shipped medical items, along with supplies for women and children, to Jamaica.

The effort was not backed by sponsorship, with the pair putting their own funds together to send several pallets and barrels of supplies. For McDonald, the response reflected the responsibility she believes the private sector shares with the public sector in supporting communities.

“We weren’t sponsored but we put our funds together and sent down several pallets and barrels because I realise that the private sector has just as much of a responsibility as the public sector to uplift our people and our community,” she shared.

Through her company Signature Walk LLC, McDonald also created more than 100 care packages, which were distributed through local partner organisations.

In New York, she participated in donations to larger organisations such as Ire Jam Radio, AFJ Americans for Jamaica, Young Gifted and Black and Give to Jamaica. But McDonald was also intentional about working with smaller organisations, which she said were “extremely instrumental” in bringing her vision to life because of their direct impact on people in need.

Once on the ground in Jamaica, McDonald travelled to various communities and organisations. Among her stops was the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) in Savanna-la-Mar, where she met Melissa Anderson.

Anderson, McDonald said, was grateful for the care packages and eager to share them with the young women at the centre.

Her outreach also took her to Victoria Jubilee Hospital, where she visited new mothers and their babies. There, she met Head Matron Elise Blackwood, an encounter she described as “a really special and healing moment” for her.

McDonald’s philanthropic work comes alongside an extensive list of professional and personal projects that keep her busy.

Later this month, she is scheduled to attend the Howard University Homecoming Reunion in Washington, DC, where she will take on hosting duties alongside rapper Method Man.

She is also set to host Voyage Fest in New York, a celebration of Grammy winner, politician and author Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow.

Closer to home, McDonald will be involved in Jamaica International Fashion Week, scheduled for November 12 to 22 at Island Village in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Her biggest project, however, is planned for next summer with her Signature Walk Model Boot Camp. Through the initiative, McDonald will serve as a confidence coach for girls from at least three Caribbean islands, helping them to build confidence and develop their potential.

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com