The 11th Annual Stella Maris Xmas Party Hosted by Belize Bank

The children of Stella Maris School headed to the Radisson today for their anticipated Christmas Party. Every year, the Belize Bank throws a party for them to celebrate the season. And what a party it was. Spiderman and the L.O.L. rainbow character were on hand as a special treat to the group of children. Here is News Five’s Duane Moody.

Duane Moody, Reporting

It was a festive occasion over at the Radisson Fort George this morning as one hundred and eight students and the staff of  Stella Maris School were treated to a Christmas party courtesy of the Belize Bank. Back in 2009, the bank adopted the school and at this time of the year, it  provide the students with great food, entertainment and fun games as well as a gift from Santa Claus himself. As part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility, the staff chipa in to be Santa’s helpers.

Denise Godfrey

Denise Godfrey, Senior Marketing Officer, Belize Bank

“The Stella Maris Christmas Party is one of the biggest initiatives that we do yearly; we are in our eleventh year and it is something that we look forward to as well as the staff. The staff plays a major role as they are the ones contributing the gifts that each child will be receiving today when Santa visits at one o’clock.”

PR Officer and Teacher at the school, Felicia Garbutt says that the party is a highly anticipated event on the institution’s calendar because many of the children come from unfortunate situations and may not have received a gift for Christmas.

Felicia Garbutt

Felicia Garbutt, PR Officer, Stella Maris School

“It is something that these kids look forward to on a yearly basis. Some of them we don’t even know if they will spend a Christmas having a plate of dinner or opening a gift like some of us. So the initiative that Belize Bank is doing is very good for them because as you can see they are enjoying themselves. It is an event that the bank holds for the students during the last week in December. They have games, they provide them with food and a gift from Santa at the end of the event.”

The children had a special visit from Spiderman and the famous L.O.L. rainbow character; they also played musical chairs and were able to sing and dance during the celebration. Even though many were at a loss of words, some shared their experience.

Tiwanie Laurie

Tiwanie Laurie, Student, Post Primary Division, Stella Maris School

“Well, eating and dancing. Only that.”

Duane Moody

“You’re looking forward to that gift from Santa. What it is that you asked Santa for this year?”

Tiwanie Laurie

“Earring set; only that.”

Duane Moody

“You think yow ah get it?”

Tiwanie Laurie

“Yes sir.”

Tayja Maskall

Tayja Maskall, Student, Middle Two Class, Stella Maris School

“All I want from Santa is just an earring set.”

Duane Moody

“Talk to us about what all you’ve been doing and what you di anticipate, what you di expect from whole of today?”

Tayja Maskall

“Turkey dinner and my treat bags.”

Duane Moody for News Five.