Some 150 children with special needs from nine schools in the Corporate Area were treated to a day of joy and celebration at the Digicel Foundation’s Share the Love Christmas Treat, hosted at Funland, Hope Gardens, on Friday.
The event was a festive occasion filled with laughter and fun. The children enjoyed an array of food and treats provided by Digicel Foundation’s partners, including Seprod, KFC, Sunshine Snacks, CALS, Wisynco, Nestlé, and JPS.
Funland’s attractions were a big hit, with the children enjoying train rides, bounce houses, ride-along cars, trampolines, and the carousel. They also had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, who handed out gifts, while others participated in face painting, dance contests, and singing competitions.
Seventy volunteers from organisations such as the Digicel Foundation, JPS Foundation, Musson Foundation, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were on hand to ensure the children had a memorable experience. These volunteers provided extra care to children who needed additional support, ensuring everyone could fully participate in the day’s activities.
Charmaine Daniels, Communications Manager at Digicel Foundation, highlighted the significance of this year’s event, which marked the organisation’s 20th anniversary.
“This year, it's our 20th anniversary, so we knew we had to go big for this community. We are hosting our Share the Love Christmas Treat here at Funland, Hope Gardens,” she said.
Omar Sanchez, whose daughter attends Stimulation Early Childhood, expressed his joy at seeing his child enjoying the event. “Overall, it's great… I always admire what they are doing. This kind of event is wonderful for the special needs community. I'm grateful and thankful. My daughter is enjoying herself, so thumbs up to the organization and to Digicel,” Sanchez said.
Vanessa Nelson, Communications Assistant at the Seprod Foundation, emphasised the importance of creating cherished memories for the children. “We found it very necessary to be here to uplift the children and allow them to feel the holiday spirit as they play, dance, and have a good time,” she said while serving snacks and juice at the Seprod booth.
Antonica Gunter Gayle, Principal of Simulation Plus Child Development Centre and the Early Stimulation Programme for Children with Special Needs, expressed her gratitude to the Digicel Foundation for fostering connections among parents and children alike. “This coming together is great, where parents of children with various disabilities can meet, exchange numbers, and build a community,” she said.
She also praised the foundation’s contributions to the disability sector. “Digicel Foundation has been doing wonders in the disability sector. The Share the Love Christmas Treat allows children to play in a safe, clean, and inclusive environment. For children with autism, this relaxed setting is especially beneficial,” she added.
The day was a resounding success, bringing smiles and creating lasting memories for children, parents, and volunteers, while showcasing Digicel Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the special needs community in Jamaica.
