Our why story…

Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, MBBS, DPH. (UWI)
Former Chief Medical Officer of Jamaica, WI Medical Advisor to Duncan Tree Foundation

It has been a pleasurable and rewarding experience working with the foundation’s team in an advisory capacity. Duncan Tree Foundation is an organization with a “heart” that inspires as it reaches out to the most vulnerable. In Jamaica for example, two adolescent girls have benefitted so far from corrective surgeries for scoliosis and this has certainly made a difference to their lives.

Our founder Ouida Duncan, is a charismatic, hard-working and dedicated professional woman. It is hard not to follow her example and “to catch the rhythm of the beat” that reminds us of who we are and God’s purpose for each of us on this earth.

Service above self and hard work are attributes of the foundation’s multidisciplinary team. We function with fixity of purpose to make the dreams and aspirations of our people whether in Jamaica or the United States of America become a reality. The ultimate is that our people deserve an opportunity to live healthy, educated, productive and fulfilling lives.

There is no other way to achieve success other than through hard work and discipline. When we see the results as demonstrated by the projects we are engaged in, and the commitment of a dedicated leader, it gives us the zeal to press on.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”(NIV)

Chunyee Miot, CPA
Former Treasurer | Current Accountant

I joined Duncan Tree Foundation because of its mission and Ouida's passion. Through the years, I‘ve see magic and miracles happen. The organization has attracted a lot of talented and amazing people. Companies have contributed medical equipment and services. And we have been able to help so many people. All this has strengthened my belief, over and over, that this is truly a great mission.

David Dungey
Former Director of Digital Technology

Many, many years ago, Ouida helped me through a difficult period in my life, so I’ve always felt a sisterly connection to her. As we stayed in touch, I’ve had to watch from the sidelines as Ouida began Duncan Tree Foundation, because of work obligations. This is no longer the situation so I am thrilled to be able to give back and help someone who helped me.

As Duncan Tree has grown and expanded its efforts, I have been particularly impressed by Ouida’s dedication— and the dedication of everyone on the Foundation’s board. They have not only proven what can happen when professionals apply themselves to a cause, they have also has reenergized my work in a related field helping those in need.

In a time when focus and commitment seem to be missing, I am proud to be associated with an organization that continues to show what gratifying results these qualities can bring.

Christina Regan

Former Board Secretary

When I am old and retired I want to look back on my life and say that I had something to do with helping to heal people. I believe I can do that working for Duncan Tree Foundation.

It’s not simply that my mother founded Duncan Tree and that I want to see her dreams of helping others come true. It’s that I get an incredible feeling when we go on mission trips, such as our recent one to Jamaica, and when I volunteer at different health and wellness events.

There’s no way I can describe the satisfaction and fulfillment it brings. I first experienced this at the NBC health and wellness festival in Hartford Connecticut where Duncan Tree had a booth. I was so moved and humbled by the gratitude of everyone who stopped by to get information they might not have had access to without seeing a doctor. So many of them couldn’t afford to see one.

Health and wellness education are something we take for granted. In many ways, simply having a healthy lifestyle is a privilege. We should never forget that. Duncan Tree Foundation’s mission is to bring this lifestyle and privilege of a healthy mind, body, and soul to anyone we come in contact with. In just a few short years, we’ve been able to make such a positive impact on people’s lives.

I can’t wait to see where we will go next!

Nat Valentine
Photographer

I’m a photographer and I’ve never been involved with an organization like this. I have been proud to work for Duncan Tree from the very beginning, and I still feel that pride.

With every shot I take for Duncan Tree, whether it’s documenting their work or covering a fund-raiser, I feel like I’m helping the Foundation grow, almost like I’m adding another brick in the wall, making it stronger.

My work for Duncan Tree has a special meaning for me, because I know I’m contributing to a vision of healing.

Chum Pham
Volunteer

I was introduced to volunteering with Duncan Tree Foundation (DTF) during my MBA time at the University of Bath (England) as a pro-bono project. After meeting Ouida for the first time via a Zoom call, I was very impressed with her passion of leaving an impact in the world through her organization. 

I’ve always had experiences working with for-profit businesses throughout my professional career. I decided to pick up the DTF project not only because its deliverables aligned with my background but it was a great chance for me to contribute my expertise to a non-profit entity. I was quite nervous at first as it was my very first time being a sole consultant. However, as I learned and understood more about DTF I’m so happy that I got involved. 

I resonate with Duncan Tree’s mission of providing better quality of life to members of underserved communities, especially people of color, through healing, teaching, and empowering them. It was fascinating to hear Ouida share her stories of the lifetime relationships she has made with the organization supporters ranging from board members, partners, to volunteers, donors, and especially beneficiaries. She also made our experience working together so enjoyable. She was always supportive and appreciative of my work. These personal values of Ouida also transfer to DTF and its operations. 

I ended up committing to working with DTF longer than our original plan because it felt so fulfilling to be able to contribute to such a great cause. If you’re reading my story, I highly encourage you to get involved in any way possible.