The distribution of gifts to children has become a Christmas tradition that is upheld by the Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross (MBBRC) at its annual Christmas party each year. Due to the late arrival of the gifts this year the children were presented with gifts at their various schools.
Members of the Red Cross board visited the Lookout, Brades, Light House Academy St. Augustine and schools, and presented a range of toys to students on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.
Secretary of the MBBRC Miss Eloise Irish said the gifts were donated in partnership with an overseas Red Cross associate. “It gives me great pleasure to be here this morning on behalf of the Montserrat branch of the British Red Cross. We are happy to be here and as promised in December at our Christmas party and also on the media Radio Montserrat that we will be presenting kids with gifts… We have 125 students and we will be presenting 125 gifts today meaning all of you children here will be able to receive a gift compliments the Montserrat Red cross and also Mr. Benn Vorady in Canada. He continues to provide support year after year in presenting toys to us so that in turn we can present toys to you.
Head teacher at the Look Out Primary School, Miss Edith Duberry thanked the MBBRC on behalf of the students. “On behalf of the pupils of the Look Out Primary School I extend sincerest gratitude to the Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross and its partners for presenting us with these lovely Christmas gifts in January. We have been waiting for them a long time. I appreciate the kind gesture and I trust that you would appreciate them and take good care of them.
The board members next stop was at the Brades Primary School. Head teacher Mr. Gregory Julius extended thanks on behalf of the students. “I would just like to say on behalf of the students, staff members of the various primary schools a hearty thank you to red cross and the donors from Canada for donating these special gifts for the children I know that they were anticipating the gifts earlier on but none the less I think that they are quite happy to receive the gifs at this time…”
Following that stop, head teacher of the Light House Community Academy Miss Rosemond Meade plan to include the gifts in her language lesson. “I take this opportunity to thank the Red Cross for including Light House Community Academy in its generous giving. I know that the children will appreciate the toys given to them here today. As a matter of fact I am going to personally ensure that they appreciate them, because right after you leave and they each receive their presents we will start our language class based on the gifts they have received, so at least that would be a way of them getting to appreciate toys as not just things or playing but things for learning as well.
Miss Ann-Marie Dewar is the head teacher of the St. Augustine Primary School, the final stop.
The students gathered at their assembly post where they welcomed their guests and gift bearers.
“On behalf of St. Augustine School we want to say a very big thank you to the Red Cross and to Mr. Benn for so generously giving us these gifts,” the head teacher pronounced.
“I’ve had a peep at them and they are truly lovely gifts. We’re dealing with children here and Christmas is for children…children just appreciate it so much when people take the time out to remember them and to give them gifts,” Miss Dewar said.
