Who We Are
The Jamaica Foundation (Hamilton) began in August 1992 when a group of Jamaicans residing in Hamilton, led by Ladnor S. DeLisser, then President, decided to celebrate Jamaica’s thirtieth anniversary of independence.
The Foundation was incorporated in June 2000 as a not-for-profit Ontario Corporation (#001422137). The Jamaica Foundation (Hamilton) is a non-denominational organization dedicated to serving primarily, the interest of the Jamaica community in Hamilton and surrounding regions, and takes a keen interest in community endeavors. It also supports as many causes as possible, from disaster relief to acknowledging outstanding achievements to coming to the aid of individuals in distress.
Since our inception, the Foundation has pledged financial and moral support to the Jamaica National Children’s Home for abandoned children in Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. The Home provides life-affirming life skills programs for children.
Additionally, we strive to inspire local Jamaicans to participate in their heritage through education of Jamaican history.
Winsome Plummer, RN, BScN, MN, serves as President of the Jamaica Foundation Hamilton (JFH), a role she embraces with deep commitment and heartfelt pride. Since joining the organization in 2017, she quickly stepped into leadership as Chair of the Seniors Committee before being elected to serve as President.
With more than 43 years of nursing experience across Jamaica and Canada, Winsome’s professional journey reflects dedication, excellence, and compassion. Her career as a Registered Nurse spans Pediatrics, Adult Medical/Surgical Care, Critical Care, Discharge Planning, Long-Term Care, Nursing Management, and Nursing Consulting.
Recently retired, she concludes a remarkable healthcare career grounded in service and leadership. She also holds a Lean Healthcare Yellow Belt Certificate and served three years on the College of Nurses of Ontario’s Disciplinary Committee, helping uphold professional standards within the nursing community.
Her service extends well beyond the bedside. Winsome interviews medical school applicants for McMaster University MD Program and volunteers with the Hamilton Family Health Team’s Patient and Family Advisory Group, contributing to the future of healthcare and patient-centered excellence. Anchored in her Christian faith, she serves on her church’s Strategic Planning Committee and is an active member of the Women Pressing On Ministry Leadership team.
At the heart of her journey is her husband, Wilbert — her love story of decades — whose unwavering support has strengthened her ability to serve her family of 3 adult children and four grandsons, her church, the nursing profession, and the community. In this new season of retirement and expanded leadership, his steady presence continues to ground her.
Winsome often speaks of her greatest joys: mentoring young nurses and watching her four grandsons grow. To her, these moments reflect the very purpose of the Jamaica Foundation Hamilton — nurturing identity, strengthening cultural roots, and creating pathways of hope.
Under her leadership, JFH hosts events that “taste of home,” partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton and supports abandoned children at the Jamaica National Children’s Home, helping equip them with life-affirming skills and opportunity.
As she often says, the Foundation exists to transform goodwill into tangible hope.
Our Aims & Objectives
To preserve our historical heritage through educational programs to increase public awareness of Jamaican culture
To collaborate with other individuals and groups to carry out community based activities
To respond to catastrophic disasters in Jamaica, and elsewhere
To receive and maintain funds to support our charitable endeavors
To maintain long-term stability through effective succession planning
Foundation Guidelines (Coming Soon - Under Review)