The Shaggy and Friends Foundation launched its own TV channel on Flow on Monday night at the Hilton Kingston hotel.

Updates and clips from last year's show, which benefited the Bustamante Hospital for Children, can be seen on channel 394.

In announcing the partnership, Rebecca Packer, director of the Shaggy and Friends Foundation, also revealed that international megastars, Boyz II Men, along with Mario Winans, would be performing at the benefit concert with a host of Jamaica's leading artistes. American R&B singer Joe was previously confirmed.

"We are very excited for the support that we are receiving. It has truly been tremendous, and now with our friends at Flow we can drive even more attention to our cause to help Jamaica's children," said Packer.

She added that the channel would be used as a medium to communicate important information on the foundation's activities as well as to highlight the various artistes who have committed their talents in support of raising funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children. In addition, Shaggy and Friends TV will be used as a medium to solicit further support for the cause.

Perfect match

Sharon Roper, director of marketing at Flow, noted that this partnership was a perfect match for the Flow brand, as the foundation had set itself apart for its extraordinary philanthropic efforts while, at the same time, distinguishing itself as a world-class product.

"With Flow's first-class technology, we will not just expose and, hopefully, generate much more support for the team, we will also help to showcase the rich cultural content of the concert, so that many more Jamaicans can appreciate the importance of this event for our children," she said. "Flow is extremely pleased to be one of the major vehicles where the efforts of Shaggy and Friends can be shared with thousands of Jamaicans."

Saving lives

Dr Lambert Innis of the Bustamante Hospital for Children also thanked Flow and the foundation for their efforts to help children in Jamaica. He revealed that through the donation of equipment from the foundation, his team was able to perform open-heart surgery on 12 babies, a delicate procedure that was not possible before due to lack of equipment.

"Thank you," he said. "You have saved the lives of our children."

Alaine and Ding Dong spoke on behalf of the local artistes and pledge their continued support.

"This is our future," said Alaine. "We have, and we must care to make a difference".

The second Shaggy and Friends concert takes place on January 2 on the lawns of Jamaica House. Ticket prices range from $5,000 to $30,000.