Friday 18 July 2014

Spotlight: Destra Garcia




Di Carnival Edition


One of the most special parts of the Simply Shakera journey is the awesome people I have met along the way. This spotlight edition highlights the Queen of Bacchanal, DESTRA GARCIA who I had the pleasure of meeting last year. Destra is one of the top soca artists in the world and we were glad to have her here in Toronto to celebrate carnival with us.


During her busy schedule, we had a moment to chat about a bunch of different things: work, food, fans, and even her love life – ha! It was fun. She even gave me tips on what to do when I visited Trinidad; ironically we ended playing mas in the same section with Yuma Vibe.
















Destra will be back in the city to celebrate carnival with us once again and we are ready for her to “mash up di stage” … feters, masqueraders, carnivalians – I hope you’re ready!



Here's the interview ya'll:

"Interview: Destra Garcia Visits Toronto, Canada"



If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/WF1Cj3ec-mM

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Twitter: @SimplyShakera
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YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Saturday 5 July 2014

Meet the Bosom Buddies


On September 6th and September 7th 2014 my teammates and I will walk in support of the many individuals and families affected by cancer. With today being the 2-month mark I thought it would be great to give a shout out to the Bosom Buddies:

Team Bosom Buddies Are:

Team Captain & Aunty: Audrey Isaacs
Sister & Partner in Crime: Siobhan Bent
Cousin & Fellow Capricorn: Melissa Isaacs
Family Friend: Dawnette Elvie
Church Sister: Janet Champagne
Myself: Shakera Martin





THE WALK
The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is an awesome fundraising campaign hosted by Shoppers Drug Mart. It consists of a 2-day, 60-kilometre or 1-day 32-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of downtown Toronto. Each walker is expected to raise a total of $2000 that will benefit Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – a leader in the fight against all women's cancers.


WHY SHAKERA WHY?

I’ve said it once and I will say it again, “I Am Shakera Martin & I Want to End Cancer”.  One of my biggest pet peeves with Cancer is that it strikes at any time in the lives of any one. NO ONE IS SAFE. I have witnessed way to many families left broken because of this disease. My decision and commitment to complete this journey (fundraising & walk) is based on love for my fellow sisters, mothers, grandmas, daughters, nieces, and friends everywhere. 

 
Throwback photo with my sister & mom <3

PUT IN WORK

I truly did not realize how far 60km was until I began training (ha!).  I have been using my friend Google maps to find locations that are 60km away from my home. This is such a horrible exercise! It only built up my anxiety. Then I tried to determine how many kilometers I (unknowingly) walked during Day One and Day Two of Trinidad Carnival – but half the time in Trinidad I wasn’t sure where I was (lol) – so that exercise did not help either. How far is 60km ya’ll? Someone give me an idea  :p

What I do know is how much $2000 dollars is… and how challenging it can be to make that amount of money in allotted time.  The Bosom Buddies have some fundraising events coming up in the next few weeks – for dates and event details visit CLICK HERE

Carnival Spice & Everything Nice will be hosting dance fitness workshops in August as well to raise funds so PLEASE stay tuned!



HOW CAN YOU HELP?

      (1)   PRAY: For the safety of the walkers, organizers, and volunteers apart of The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers … but more importantly pray for the families that have been affected by cancer – they need your prayer and love the most. <3

     (2)  Please DONATE to this journey as it’s yours, too. Whatever you can will be appreciated if it’s coming from your heart. 


Or

We can also meet me in the GTA if you are more comfortable with using cash!


Thank you to those who have donated thus far 
- Love you lots!





Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com