Food For the Poor fetes children at King's House
Published:Friday | December 16, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Smiles as bright as Christmas lights were etched across the faces of more than 700 children at King's House in St. Andrew yesterday.
Youngsters, along with caregivers, from 25 children's homes islandwide were treated as Food For The Poor (FFP), through its Angel of Hope programme, staged its annual treat for the festive season.
In addition to executing the funfilled event, FFP provides aid all year round to the homes in the form of food, clothing, educational and medical supplies, furniture and financial assistance.
"It is one of our favourite events, this treat," David Mair, executive director of FFP told The Gleaner.
He added: "What is incredible about this initiative is that it actually brings children together who haven't seen each other in almost a year. As families, sometimes they get separated into different orphanages with no other way of seeing each other. With this treat, we can entertain, feed, socialise and bring families together all in one area."
Suzanne Moore, director of recipient services at FFP, who spearheaded the planning of the event, told The Gleaner: "As soon as the event ends, we start planning for the next year. Given the magnitude of the event, we have to make sure that sponsors are on board and they recognise that we appreciate what they would have done the previous year.
"I am overwhelmed by the amount of support we've gotten from staff, volunteers and sponsors who have come on board. It gets better every year," Moore stated when asked about the execution of this latest staging.
Youthful exuberance was the order of the day as the lush green surface of King's House bore witness to the latest melodies and dance moves, sporting activities and rides.
In getting the views of the children, one ward of the State said: "I'm enjoying it. I'm having a very good time. I've been on the bounce-about and the merry-go-round and I've had a lot of food."
Her twin sister echoed similar sentiments: "I like the setup. FFP is doing a good job for the kids."
All children in attendance received gift packages at the end of the festivities.
While expressing gratitude to its existing sponsors, FFP executives used the platform to encourage other entities, local and otherwise, to contribute and possibly partner with their operations to advance the work being done for those most in need.'