Christmas at Stella Maris
It is the season for giving and the children at Stella Maris Primary School had a day of fun-filled activities complete with gifts from Santa Claus at the Radisson. The Christmas party sponsored by the Belize Bank took place today. Their excitement was contagious; aside from the gifts and games, they were all too happy to be entertained by a well-known clown. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
One hundred and three students from the Stella Maris primary school were treated to a Christmas party hosted by the Belize Bank. It is the ninth year since the bank has adopted the school and staff would donate gifts which would then be distributed by Santa Claus. The Caracol Room at the Radisson was bursting with fun-filled activities such as face-painting and dancing. This year, the party carried a carnival theme.
Denise Godfrey
Denise Godfrey, Senior Marketing Officer, Belize Bank
“Each staff contributes to the initiative by providing a gift so when you see that much anticipated Santa arrive here, he will be bearing gifts all contributed by the staff of the Belize Bank. We are also grateful for Radisson; and the Belize Bank provides the food, entertainment, etc. for the kids.”
Duane Moody
“How important is this to the mission that the bank has?”
Denise Godfrey
“It’s very important to us because we believe in giving back to our society. It is not only initiatives in the Christmas season, but we try to do it all year long. But I mean in the Christmas season especially, people look forward to that little extra. And if we can provide happiness, warmth in the kids’ hearts, that’s what we are all about.”
Principal Karema Oshon says that the children are blessed because many of them are from needy families and are happy to receive the treats and participate in activities.
Karema Oshon
Karema Oshon, Principal, Stella Maris School
“For the school, it helps to create that awareness and we are very appreciative of the Belize Bank for every year looking forward to doing something like this for our children. Our children also enjoy it and we want to create that awareness with the general public. Also showing that persons with diverse abilities that they are a part of our society and we appreciate what the Belize Bank does every year. Many of our children come from homes that have dire needs and some of them may not be able to get a gift for Christmas and so this is their first gift of the year and I know they really appreciate it because Belize Bank goes all out for them.”
After lunch, Santa arrived and the energy in the room was overwhelming, as he began issuing gifts. Here’s the expectation of several students.
Student, Stella Maris School
“I had fun and I like dance and I can’t wait to see Santa.”
Duane Moody
“Is there anything that you are expected from Santa this year?”
Student, Stella Maris School
“Gift…”
Duane Moody
“What kind of gift? What you expect him to get you?”
Student, Stella Maris School
“I like earring sets and watches.”
Eworth Jones
Eworth Jones, Student, Stella Maris School
“We happy we have it every year and we hope we deh yah next year to have it again.”
Duane Moody
“Santa supposed to come in a lee while. What do you expect to get from Santa?”
Eworth Jones
“A gift; a watch.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
