Email

Print

The joy of Christmas was shared with 700 deserving children at the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas party today. Each child received lunch, a toy and learned something about the true meaning of Christmas. 7NEWS was there from start to finish.

Keith Swift Reporting,
A cheerful Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya played Santa for a day – or least the afternoon as she distributed 700 pieces of toys to 700 children at the Parish Hall. And before a toy – all 700 children were served lunch by the Salvation Army.

Major Errol Robateau, Salvation Army Regional Commander
“We are doing some 700 children today; yesterday we did 300 at the Salvation Army School. Traditionally we do 1,000 children every year in the city in addition to that we assist children in the out districts by giving toys and whatever goodies we collect that we can share with them.”

Mayor Zenaida Moya,
“Just to see them here and I know they are looking forward to their toys and the delicious food, just to see their happy faces and be a part of it, it is a gratifying experience.”

And what an experience it was for these children.

[Interviews with children about what they want for Christmas.]

And because of that expectation, volunteer Aisha Trapp says they went the extra mile to ensure there was a toy for every child.

Aisha Trapp, Bravo Motors
“From Tuesday when we noticed that we didn’t have enough toys, we started separate them Tuesday evening and last night we were at A&R’s still shopping for toys. I wouldn’t have liked to see disappointments today from the children because you know how children are, if you give one you have to give all of them so I just wanted to say a big thanks to everybody who supported us in this.”

Major Errol Robateau,
“We believe by doing this we make children happy. Children are only children one year in their life and this will be good memories for them in the future.”

On a down note, the Salvation Army’s Regional Commander Major Errol Robateau says the response to their kettle appeal has been disappointing. He says donations are lagging 25% behind last year’s rate of progress. The appeal runs through to Christmas Eve and kettles are posted outside major supermarkets and stores.