C.O. Solomon Children's Charity

One Man's Love Lit a Torch That Still  Burns

Clive Solomon gave the children of Waterhouse, Kingston something they had never been promised — a future. His legacy lives on in every scholarship, every Christmas meal, every child who dares to dream bigger than their circumstances. Rooted in Jamaica, backed by a U.S.-registered 501(c)3.

30+

Years of Service

1000+

Lives Touched

1993

The Year it All Began

How It All Began

A Christmas Eve on Balmagie Avenue Changed Everything

"A humble man with a genuine love, care, and loyalty to every child within his reach, has lighted a torch bringing a ray of hope and happiness for everyone."
—Barrington Solomon

On December 24, 1993, Clive Oliver Solomon — known simply as “Salla” — cleaned the roads of Waterhouse, cooked dumplings and curried chickenback for his young helpers, and then played Santa Claus for every child in the community. He handed out notebooks, pencils, and rulers, because his deepest wish was that every child should have an education.

When Clive passed in 1995, his family refused to let his vision die. They have kept that Christmas tradition alive every single year. They launched a formal scholarship program in October 2000. Today, that spark has grown into a full charity — reaching children in and beyond Waterhouse with education, health, sports, and opportunity.

The Solomon family, now based in the United States, continues to fund and grow this mission across borders, proving that love for community has no zip code.

Our reach

Three decades of changing lives

  • 2000

    Year the National Scholarship Award Program officially launched
  • 30+ Years

    Ongoing service to the children of Waterhouse, Kingston and beyond
  • Every Year

    Christmas Treat and Health Fair held without interruption since 1993
  • Give today

    Your donation reaches a child directly

    100% of charitable contributions go toward programming for the children of Waterhouse, Kingston and inner city families we support. The Solomon family donates their time and covers operational overhead so your gift counts fully.

    • Provides school supplies — notebooks, pencils, and rulers — for one child for a full term
    • Funds a child's participation in our Annual Christmas Treat, including meals and carnival activities
    • Contributes toward our scholarship fund, helping one deserving student access national-level education awards
    • Supports our Health Fair, bringing critical medical attention to elderly community members who can't otherwise access care

    What We Do

    Programs That Shape Futures

    Academic Scholarships

    Launched in October 2000, our National Scholarship Award Program works toward establishing funded scholarships at schools across the parishes of Jamaica — giving every deserving child a pathway beyond their circumstances.

    Annual Christmas Treat

    Our beloved flagship event — held every year since 1993 — brings carnival games, meals, gifts, and joy to the children of Waterhouse. The attendance grows every year, and so does the love.

    Community Health Fair

    We cross boundaries to care for the whole community. Our Annual Health Fair provides special attention to the elderly and general population, because healthy families raise thriving children.

    Sports & Recreation

    We are actively working toward building a gymnasium that offers a safe, carefree space for children to grow through sport — developing discipline, teamwork, and confidence that transcends the playing field.

    Educational Facility

    Our long-term vision includes acquiring and developing a dedicated educational facility in memory of Clive Solomon — a permanent home for learning in the community he loved so deeply.

    Cultural Awareness

    We believe children need roots as much as wings. Our cultural programming builds pride, identity, and the understanding that where you come from is a source of strength, not limitation.

    Get Involved

    Consistent giving helps children all year

    Donate
    Make a one-time or monthly financial gift. Every dollar reaches the children of Kingston directly.
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    Fundraise
    Host your own campaign — birthdays, graduations, company drives, school events. Support us from anywhere in the world.
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    Volunteer
    We depend on volunteers for our events and operations. Bring your skills, your time, and your heart.
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    Partner With Us
    Corporate partners can sponsor events, match employee gifts, or engage their teams through cause marketing and volunteering.
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    Our generous partners and sponsors