Belize Bank Hosts Sixth Annual Xmas Party for Stella Maris School

Over at the Radisson today, a group of special kids were treated to Christmas goodies courtesy of the Belize Bank. It’s the sixth party the bank has been hosting for the Stella Maris School and from the looks of it; the students were having a fun time. Duane Moody dropped by for the celebration.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Over a hundred students and staff of Stella Maris School were hosted today at the Radisson Fort George by the Belize Bank for the annual Christmas Party. The students living with disabilities were treated to an arts and crafts session, face painting by Misses Clause, a delicious plate of turkey dinner and gifts by Santa Clause himself. It is the sixth year since the bank adopted the party for the school and the event was organized through the staff.

Misty Michael, Belize Bank

Misty Michael

“We are extremely grateful to Miss Pat Lamb and Rural Black and their team. They were gracious enough to provide us with the space today and the kids this morning did some arts and craft, they made some Christmas ornaments…they were dancing. The face painter was here. They’re having lunch right now and shortly after lunch our usual surprises from Santa will be here for the kids. We started it six years ago. Stella Maris School had actually approached the bank for just a small donation towards their party and we made the decision to actually adopt it. So every year we collaborate amongst the staff—the bank actually fronts the money to have the party, but our staff are the ones who actually go into their pockets and provide a gift for each of the children that attend the party. And it is a collaborative effort between the Belize Bank and the Belize Bank International.”

The kids were even more excited. While twelve year old Alexander Garbutt was modest about what he wanted for Christmas, fifteen year old Theodore said he wanted a tablet from Santa.

Theodore Jex

Theodore Jex, Student

“I enjoy my dance moves…I enjoy give away the food. I enjoy my friends, my teachers.”

Duane Moody

“For you Alexander?”

Alexander Garbutt, Student

“I enjoyed the dance. I love the food and I like to dance.”

Duane Moody

“Unu expecting the gift?”

Thedore Jex

Alexander Garbutt

“I want a tablet.”

Duane Moody

“You, what you want?”

Alexander Garbutt

“I want anything….if they give me something; I will be satisfied with it.”

Chairman of the school, Pastor Ashley Rocke, says that the children look forward to the annual event since most are from marginalized families.

Ashley Rocke

Pastor Ashley Rocke, Chairman, Stella Maris School

“A lot of the children at Stella Maris are of your lower trough of the society and a party like this does great wonders for them. Having to come and have a Christmas dinner and then having to get a gift as well. So it does speak a lot for them and I think overall, it’s a good thing.”

Duane Moody for News Five.