Portland elderly residents feted
Published:Wednesday | December 21, 2016 | 12:00 AMGareth Davis
DRAPERS, Portland:
At least 40 persons including the elderly, who reside in the community of Drapers in Portland, were provided with sumptuous meals during a special dinner put on by Jamaicans living in the United States on Tuesday.
The pre-Christmas dinner was funded by past students of Drapers All-Age School and other residents now living in at least eight states in the US, who have taken it up on themselves to ensure that those living in the community enjoy the love and warmth of Christmas.
Coordinator of the specially arranged dinner Marcia Lawrence said the members of the diaspora wanted to spread their love across the community in which they spent their earlier years attending school, church, and social functions.
"It is really a good gesture on the part of the overseas diaspora," said Lawrence.
"This is an initiative that they intended to undertake annually, as this is their way of showing appreciation to those who have assisted with their upbringing. Last year was great, but this time around it was awesome, and that is evident on the faces of these residents, who from all indication have appreciated the annual gesture," she added.
Gifts and other surprises
Additionally, the residents each received a gift package and other
surprises, which was a part of the direct request from the overseas donors, who funded the event.
"The only sad point about this function is that those who have contributed to the event, are unable to come home at this time due to job and family commitment. Their only wish was to be here to mingle with those that they have not seen for close to 25 years. However, the good thing is that they have already committed to next year staging, and we expect a even bigger turnout when that comes around."