Action time! - Markland to host 10 wards of the state this Christmas
Published:Friday | December 21, 2018 | 12:00 AMNadine Wilson
It's just for a day, but broadcaster Markland 'Action' Edwards is gearing up to make this a day these children will never forget.
Edwards and his family are taking home 10 wards of the state to spend Christmas Day with them, and he is going all out to make a splash.
He expressed an interest in having the children come and spend the holiday with him after hearing former Prime Minister Bruce Golding advocating the Take a Child Home for Christmas programme.
The programme is spearheaded by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency and encourages individuals with good moral standing to take a child home for the holiday.
"I do believe that when it comes to Christmas, everybody wants to be around family and friends, and for those who do not have family and friends to be around, they would like to be in an atmosphere that is conducive that they can relax and feel at home," Edwards told The Sunday Gleaner.
"Being in a facility on Christmas Day, I don't think it is the best place or the best feeling one would like to have," added Edwards.
The children will be between the ages of 10 and 18 and the father of one is planning to give them every allowance possible.
"Kids will always do what kids do, so I am prepared for that. You just give them food, give them the toys, give them the space to roam and have fun, and you are good.
"The plan is to have some good food, play some game and we might end up going to the pool, having some splashes here and there, take some pictures and just have a good time. Talk to them, have them do whatever they want to do within the law, within the boundaries," said Edwards.
FOOD GALORE
The broadcaster declared that there will be ham and sorrel galore, but he is prepared to purchase hot dogs, pizza and popcorn if that is what they prefer.
"I am not going to give them what I believe they must have as children on Christmas Day, I am giving them what they want," he said.
The children will be accompanied by a caregiver and he says other family members will also be on hand to assist.
"I can't wait to go see them and to see who exactly will be coming by. I will have to make some name tags so that I can call them by their names right throughout the day," added Edwards.