Spreading cheer: 200 girls receive Christmas gifts

This festive season, 200 girls experienced the joy of giving and receiving, thanks to a remarkable initiative that brought together a coalition of organisations committed to uplifting communities and nurturing the next generation.

The gift-giving initiative is a collaboration between the I Am a Girl Non-Governmental Organization, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated, Rhapsody of the Seas, and Diamonds International.

The presentation was held at the Holy Innocents’ Primary School in St. Thomas.

Alien Olliviere, Founder of the I Am a Girl NGO, expressed her gratitude towards the partners of the project: “Those who made today possible, we thank you. You showed that your health is helpful by ensuring that love was spread in abundance. This Christmas season, your contribution, whether to time, resources or experience, is not just appreciated. It is absolutely vital kindness, generosity, and empathy.”

According to the CEO of BTMI, Andrea Franklin, initiatives like these uplift children and showcase the heart of Barbados to the world.

She said: “We are delighted to bring a little light to the lives of 200 young children from across our island, ensuring they receive some extra cheer this Christmas season. These gifts represent more than just tangible items; they are symbols of love, care, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation.”

Franklin also highlighted the opportunity this presentation provided: “This gift-giving project therefore underscores our shared values of compassion, connection, community, and most importantly, creating a positive circle of support for our children. This also creates an opportunity for us to come into the community and tell you a little bit more, to showcase a little bit more of what tourism really is.”

Principal of Holy Innocents’, Jacqueline Brome, expressed gratitude for partnering with the school to bring holiday cheer to the children: “This event for Christmas time is a time of sharing, and we have truly appreciated that you have chosen the children of our school to be the recipients of these gifts, as well as the children from the I Am a Girl NGO. The students are delighted, and we are sure that they will treasure this generous donation that the sponsors have so graciously extended.”

She also mentioned that the event serves as a tangible way to bring curriculum concepts to life.

“This activity is evidence of tourism at work, and in particular cruise tourism. The value of generosity is also being demonstrated; the students throughout the term and the year would have been given opportunities to share, and now they are receiving. They will also be reminded that for whom much is given, much is expected.”

Franklin explained the benefits of the collaboration with its partners: “Our collaboration today highlights the powerful role tourism can play in fostering goodwill and bringing positive change to our communities.”

She called on the children to be ambassadors for Barbados: “We want all of you, as you go about your daily life, to be ambassadors for this country as well. I hope today fills your heart with joy and reminds you that you are deeply valued and cherished. You represent the future of Barbados, and we are committed to ensuring that you continue to have opportunities to grow, thrive, and shine.”

(LG)