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Changing gears now - they say Christmas is for kids - but the truest definition of the Christmas concept is in the spirit of giving. That's why the Salvation Army Christmas party - while it may not have all the bells and whistles or fancy speeches by politicians - it really does embody the reason for the season - which is to give to those who really need it. And in this case, it;s deserving kids. Clifford Maheia joined the party today:
Today, it was a Christmas party for 700 deserving children at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall.
But, it was about more than a good time - it's about the spirit of the season:
Marceddy Momplaisir, District officer, Salvation Army in Belize
"Today is a special day for us here in Belize, where we are going to have a good time with the children from different communities, different school. Our aim today is to give about 700 children gifts. As some of you may be aware about it. Salvation Army, we are here for them because we know Christmas is our time, where we enjoy our time with the children, share the hope, meet the needs and transform their lives because there are so many of them. Maybe they are alone? They will get back. They will get a gift. So today we are so happy to be in this parish hall, to receive those children, to show them love, to show them respect, to show them somebody care for them."
"Today we have different people with us. People from the advisory board of the Salvation Army, Mr. Vasquez, and we have some of the members there with us. However, so today we're going to give the children food. We're going to give them drink. We want to give them ice cream, and we're going to give them a gift. And I strongly believe they are waiting to enjoy themselves with their gift"
It's a tradition that goes back over 35 years and it has touched the lives of hundreds of children - and given meaning tool that small change put into t he Christmas kettles.
David Vasquez, Member, Advisory Board
"Christmas is a time of sharing and caring. But, you know, in these times, as times get more economically challenging, it's always good to help support the community. I mean, the Salvation Army itself is an organization steeped in history. I mentioned to the kids just now that we've been over 100 years, actually 109 years in Belize. And whilst I haven't been personally with the Salvation Army project at night, I mean, when you consider all the great work that they have done, this particular function has been going on for over 35 years.And so when you see the the smiles on the faces of the kids and see how they enjoy this, this is really a time that we give back. So all of the efforts that we raise funds through our cattle drives and donations by by various members of the community, this helps to to bring and spread the joy, especially at this time of year."
"Through the raising of funds, through the kettle drive, on generous donations from the business community. We are able to supply these toys for the kids. So we try to get as much as we can make. So enough for a female and not for a male, but, you know, again, to we can only get what we can get. But they are wonderful toys as you can see. Later on you will see these are kids. The kids will enjoy these games."
"So we have approximately, I think we're estimating around a little less than 600 kids for today. In the past we've hosted as much as a thousand children. So, whilst it is diminishing a little bit, we have hope that how next year will be bigger and better, how our schools shows and on the students. But you know what, I don't know the exact mechanics of it. I know every year we have a pool and it's from the communities that again, that the, the Salvation Army is very active in. So, we work well with the schools and the major is getting lists from various schools throughout the city and some of the rural areas where the kids come from."
