YWCA holds party for seniors

The YWCA has received some well-deserved notoriety over the years as the originators of the popular Miss Y pageant. But the organisation’s commitment to Belize’s most experienced citizens goes beyond just one night of entertainment. Jacqueline Woods reports.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

It’s one time of the year that the senagers look forward to as an occasion to get out of the house and socialise.

Lois Smith, Organiser, Xmas Party

“They feel that they are appreciated, and that’s what I want them to feel, appreciation. Because most of the time, we take the seniors and cast them aside, and we have to remember that the seniors are that one that build this country.”

The women not only danced and sang but also reminisced about the old fashioned Christmas.

Olive Gibson Bailey, 81 years old

“Oh we use to go Christmas carolling. That used to be the break for the Christmas season, to go around Christmas carolling. The choirs and different groups from the church and Sunday schools choirs and so on and we all go Christmas carolling to all the friends and shut-ins.”

Grace Coleman, 71 years old

“It was a beautiful occasion, because the first thing when Christmas time comes around, it’s a happy time. It’s a time when you interact with your friends and you have nice dinners, wrap presents, and thank God that you’re alive. And that’s what I get out of Christmas, I’m healthy, I’m alive, I look around, my friends are okay, and for the people that are sick, we pray, but Christmas is always a beautiful day for us.”

Jacqueline Woods

“This programme is like three, four hours long, what takes place during the time?”

Lois Smith

“We’ll have ballet dancers, we’ll have music, a lot of food and gifts. We’ll give gifts to each member and their guest.”

Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.

Most of the food was cooked by the students at YWCA.