The Rotary Club of San Fernando held its annual Christmas treat for children on December 6 at Twin Walls compound. This year approximately 380 children were in attendance, including children from the Hardbargain Government, Barrackpore Vedic, Lady Hochoy Penal, Audrey Jeffers School for the Deaf, and Pointe a Pierre Government School, as well as children with cancer and cancer survivors from the Cancer Support Group for Children.
The spacious and secure venue was provided courtesy Kevin Rampersad of Oilfield and Marine Sales & Service, with transport to and from the venue provided by the Rotary Club of San Fernando, the Rotaract Club of San Fernando and the Public Service Transport Corporation.
The event also saw the coming together of all branches of the Rotary family, including The Rotaract Club of San Fernando, The Interact Club of Naparima Girls High School, the spouses of Rotarians and the Dream Team (constituted by the children of Rotarians). There were a number of activities to keep all those in attendance entertained, including face painting, bouncy castles, a magic show performed by Abracadabra, Christmas music by DJ Blacksheep, and Santa Claus and his many helpers with presents for every child.
All in attendance were treated to hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy and a party bag. The event went beyond its scheduled end time, as Santa found it difficult to tear himself away from the children.
Commenting on the day's activities, club president Roger Bose thanked all who contributed to making it a success, including sponsors and volunteers who exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. He reflected on the work of the club this year, among them the distribution of back to school vouchers for families affected by the floods earlier this year.
Also, Wheelchair distribution, disaster relief for Caribbean territories of St Lucia, Haiti and St Vincent, food hamper distribution to needy families in the community, donation of tools to Servol, a donation of musical instruments to the Blind Welfare Association, and the requests of citizens for assistance with medical emergencies.
He noted that as the club celebrates its 50th year (the second oldest Rotary Club in Trinidad and Tobago), it continued to focus on Rotary International's goals of working locally, regionally and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio.
More information on the activities of the club, pictures and its history can be obtained by visiting the Club's website at www.rotarysandott.org.