The numbers were expected to come in at 100, but we were a little short, as only approximately 65 children of the La Croix Maingot community turned up for the Helen Television System/Helen Folk Dancers annual children’s party. Held at the La Croix Maingot school on Saturday 19th December , the treat attracted a special group of recipients, children whose parents would otherwise not have been able to purchase gifts and host a party in their honor this festive season, and boy what wonderful gifts did they received.
The event the 14th annual to date, hosted by the two collaborators HTS/Helen Folk Dancers, had for the second consecutive year received assistance from the US Army. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Anthony Blackman Public Affairs Specialist at the Embassy of the United States of America to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Acting as our liaison, Mr. Blackman introduced us to Major Ed “Marco” Harvey Deputy Chief, Military Liaison Office Barbados and Eastern Caribbean from whose generosity these specially selected children benefitted from. The smiles registered and in most cases plastered on their faces signified just how appreciative the recipients were.
As they queued patiently to receive their gifts selected off the shelves of M& C’s Drugstore, it was a pleasure to see that expression of gratitude. From colorful remote control helicopters and cars, spider man action figures, computers and other educational tools, board games and not forgetting the oh so popular Bratz and Barbie dolls, all delivered and presented by Santa Clause, they could not have asked for more. Plus all that ice cream, juice, cake and candy, musical chairs and dance contests. Who can we forget that special style of dancing/gyrating unique to La Coir Maingot community. At the end of it all the boys and girls ages 5 to 10 all walked away, exhausted but happy to have been treated to some cheer this festive season.
We at HTS and the Helen Folk Dancers would like to express our sincerest thanks to all our benefactors particularly Major Ed Harvey and Mr. Anthony Blackman of the US Army. Who can forget the contribution and first class service delivered by the manager of M&C Drugstore manager Mrs. Fredrika Leon and her staff, who like last year went beyond the call.
Thanks should also go to the teachers and parents of the students of the La Croix Maingot School for making this event a success. We were also fortunate this year to again receive toys from Governor General HE Dame Pearlette Louisy, a regular contributor and partner of this project. Our heartfelt thanks GG. A new contributor this year was the organization Lucian Power based in New York represented by Fred “oldfred” Actie and Theron Prudent many thanks folks.
As a result of their generosity our project took on a new twist this year. We were able to continue the spirit of giving by donating toys to the Boys Training Centre, Council for the Disabled and the Blind welfare association. We are hoping to continue this trend next year 2010 and with our partners at our side we will again visit yet another community to spread some good cheer to those in need.
