Bicknells share some festive cheer in Waterhouse
Published:Saturday | December 24, 2022 | 1:28 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Waterhouse Football Club chairman and Tank-Weld CEO Bruce Bicknell calls it the most important day of the year and the Waterhouse residents call him their Santa Claus. Each year at this time the Bicknell family rolls through the community with trucks stocked with footballs, bags and food items for residents.
Accompanied by sons Blaise, Jamaica’s number one tennis player, and Zander, national under-20 midfielder along with his wife Nicole, Bruce Bicknell made his now familiar trip through the community on Thursday. Jamaica rallycross sensation Fraser McConnell was expected to be in attendance but he came down with an illness.
The elder Bicknell, who has been organising the giveaways for nearly 20 years, admits he and his family get tremendous gratification from the annual event.
“This is my favourite day of the year. We just want everybody to know that we care and that is why we are here giving out gifts as a token.
“When I travel they call me Bicknell from Waterhouse and that is a compliment. We have been doing this from 2003 and this is very important for the family, and all the boys are here,” he pointed out.
“We don’t want anyone to feel neglected. We do spend a lot of time in the community with the people and I know they appreciate it too.”
At the various stops, the two trucks, one filled with balls, bags and football needles and the other with food items were swarmed by excited residents of all ages, who wanted their piece of the offerings.
While the children were focused on the balls, the senior residents were more attracted to the food items.
“It’s pleasing to see the looks on all the faces. You can tell they are grateful. Every year we come around and once we drive up they get excited. It can get a bit chaotic at times but we do enjoy it. Giving back to them is amazing, you can’t explain the feeling,” Zander commented.
Blaise said it is a double pleasure for him.
“It is a thing we do every year. My father says it is the most important day of the year. It is good too see how they are grateful and the family enjoys it. Everybody appreciates it and all round it is just a great day,” he stated.
Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle, who came out in support of the gesture, said the over a 1,000 balls distributed will encourage the playing of more football in the community.
“It’s a good feeling to see people give back to the community, and the community is showing its appreciation.
“Bruce and his family are giving a helping hand and it brings joy to the kids knowing someone is looking out for their well-being. This really puts a smile on the kids’ faces,” he said.
“This man is one in a million, trust me. Sir Bruce Bicknell, the one and only, he is Waterhouse Santa Claus,” a member commented while the gifts were being distributed.