‘Today is a very blessed day for them’
Youngsters with disabilities get early Christmas treat
Published:Friday | December 16, 2022 | 1:56 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Scores of youngsters with disabilities received Christmas gifts on Thursday as the the Sanmerna Foundation partnered with the Inspire to Empower Change Foundation and Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to stage a treat for them at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre.
Among those getting gifts was 22-year-old Dermain Dawson, who told The Gleaner that, after enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for over two long years, it was especially nice to be treated before Christmas Day.
Children from Genesis Academy, Lister Mair/Gilby School for the Deaf, Phoenix Academy, Hope Valley Experimental, Randolph Lopez School of Hope, Abilities Foundation and School of Hope were in attendance.
Romario Riley, 17, from School of Hope, who received a toy guitar, told The Gleaner that he really enjoyed the music and the food served while he and other students engaged in dance competitions and enjoyed a morning of play.
Mark White, director of Sanmerna Foundation, told The Gleaner that the foundation was honoured to again meet face-to-face with the children and to facilitate Christmas cheer after pandemic restrictions over the past two years.
This is the sixth staging of the event.
“Today is a very blessed day for them,” White said, noting that some of the children faced challenges in walking and getting around on their own.
Robert White, who is also a director of Sanmerna Foundation, noted that the children particularly looked forward to interacting with the clown, who offered face-painting services, and to dance with Santa Claus.
He added that the foundation ensured that the youngsters got toys from their wish lists.
“It’s not just today alone we interact with them,” White added.
Anita Atkinson-Deans and Stephanie Josephs, both JUTC workers who conceptualised the Inspire to Empower Change Foundation, stated that it was through teamwork that they were able to continue to grow and make a difference in the children’s lives.
Cecil Thoms Jr, corporate communications manager at JUTC, said that the public transportation system was committed to serving the disabled community.
The 50 additional buses which the Government has procured to add to the JUTC’s fleet, and which will arrive within the first quarter of 2023, will have facilities to accommodate disabled passengers.
“You will not be left behind,” he said to the youngsters in his address.
Thoms added that the JUTC thinks of the disabled community as a priority and that this was a move in the right direction in catering to the vast needs of its commuters.
Other sponsors of Thursday’s treat included the Kiwanis Club of Greater Portmore – Division 23 West, Grace Foods, and Royale Computers.
Cecile Robinson Dobben, president of Kiwanis Club of Greater Portmore – Division 23 West, said it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to serve the children in this manner.
“Our motto says, ‘Serving the Children of the World’, and so, what better place to really bring greetings and love and share the festivities other than here at home? And so, we’re really [happy to] have this opportunity just to be able to serve you,” she said.