Hanes host massive children’s Christmas Party

Dec 22, 2008 News

– donate $100,000 towards church feeding programme

It was all fun and festive frolic on Saturday evening when the Hanes Store, for the second time around, hosted their annual Christmas Party for children at their Robb Street location.

Santa brought Christmas cheer to these smiling faces.

At the event, Chief Executive Officer Ron Morrison donated $100,000 towards the feeding programme of the Bedford Methodist Church.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the church was Reverend Bernice Cox.
Highly appreciative of the gesture, Reverend Cox said the funds will be used to ensure the continuous existence of the feeding programme, noting that the cheque came at a time when it was most needed. She said that her church feeds several schools in the city, but the children who benefit are all attached in some way to the church.

While the church feeds some one hundred and seventy-five children on a daily basis, the Reverend emphasized that the donation will also be used in facilitating new outreach programmes in 2009.  The more than five hundred children that were feted at the party were mainly those attached to the Bedford Methodist Church and others from selected children’s homes.

In addressing the media, Morrison said he is grateful for the support of his many customers over the years. He said that the party venture for kids was initiated last year, and is also used as a forum for ‘giving back to the public.’

The CEO indicated that, over time, the company has developed a strong customer support base.
He noticed that while the first party held last year was attended by two hundred and fifty children, they increased the amount to five hundred this time around, a trend they will continue as the years go by.

He noted that the children invited to the party were those belonging to Hanes’ customers and those from children’s homes and from several depressed communities around the country. 

The children enjoyed a variety of appetizing food and non-alcoholic beverages, much to their delight.
Local singers Mariam Williams, Edward Neblett and others entertained with melodious carolling. But the real excitement was when Santa arrived with his helpers, ringing a bell, his huge belly shaking and quivering as he erupted into his legendary ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ merry laughter.

Santa was truly energetic, and soon had the children screaming in approval as he executed some amusing dance moves and antics. Soon he was mobbed by the children, who all wanted a hug or a kiss, and he had to be rescued by an official who realized that the stage was becoming too crowded.

Santa then delivered gifts to the exited children.