Just last Saturday the 21st
of December the Love at Christmas Foundation hosted the Christmas Fair for
underprivileged children at the Golden Grove Estate in St. Philip. Over 60
children, some accompanied by their parents, and some youngsters of the Special
Olympics group enjoyed themselves immensely as several volunteers assisted from
around 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. The children loved the two clowns and Annie the
Clown had a great rapport with the audience throughout the whole day. The male
clown doubled as a very jolly Santa Claus and with his beautiful elves made
sure each child under 12 received a gift at the closing of the fun-filled
afternoon. All this time I had a smile, as did all of the other volunteers, as
we were very happy to see the youth in the jumping tents, hitting the piƱata,
running, playing games with “Mr. Clown”, dancing, eating, drinking mauby,
sorrel, fruit punch, and soft drinks, and for twenty minutes listening
attentively to the Bethel Methodist Chimers playing melodious Xmas songs.
Love at Christmas Foundation,
a registered charity, was founded in 2009 by Mr. Denis Warner to reach out to
those less fortunate. The name was given by Mr.
Alph Padmore who said that cheer and joy can be spread not only at Christmas time
but throughout the year. Mr. Warner named the
Christmas Programme “Remember Me”. He also wrote its theme song and did
the vocals. The first show was held in December 2009 at Solidarity House
with the help from corporate Barbados. In 2010 the foundation teamed up
with Ms. Santia Bradshaw and Mr. Tony Hoyas at the Plantation Garden Theatre,
and in 2011 it hosted the Niamh Stoute Concert since she was suffering from neuroblastoma
cancer. The concert was held at the Queens Park Steel Shed
and raised over $20,000.
Kudos to Denis Warner, President, Heather Bridgeman, Vice
President,Public Relations, all those who are part of their team,
and persons and companies who contributed to a most enjoyable Fair!