Philanthropist spreads Christmas cheer with almost 200 hampers

Community philanthropist Simon Chofooklun has donated close to 200 Christmas hampers to less fortunate residents across several St Michael communities, saying the initiative was driven by a desire to spread joy and ensure families were not left without basic items during the festive season.

Speaking to the media ahead of the distribution, Chofooklun said the hamper drive was a personal effort rooted in the belief that Christmas should be a time of happiness for everyone.

“I’m doing this hamper drive to bring a lot of joy to those in need for this Christmas. I think Christmas is a time that everyone should be happy, and I want to make sure that everyone has something for Christmas this year,” he said.

He explained that while the initiative was his own, it was supported by close family and friends who encouraged a culture of giving.

“I have a lot of great people around me, starting with my siblings, my close friend Shaana Straughn and the Fagan family. I have a lot of people around me that push and drive people to do things for others and to continue to share and give,” Chofooklun said, adding that his upbringing played a key role.

“I’m fine with helping and they [people] not knowing it was me.”

Chofooklun said the drive was made possible through partnerships with several private sector companies with whom he has longstanding business relationships.

“I have a great business relationship with a lot of the companies I worked with so I was able to ask them openly, and they told me they really are interested in helping as well. I was really happy that they were willing to give me the opportunity to push the drive and to give back to the communities.”

This year’s target was to reach about 200 people, a goal that was largely met.

“We fell short a little bit, but everyone was able to get something,” he said, noting that plans were already in place to expand the initiative.

“Next year, God willing, we would like to do around 500 in different communities, maybe 100 in each or something along those lines, but we are pushing to always do more for our community.”

He linked the importance of community support to wider social challenges, including violence.

“There’s a lot of violence and stuff, and the best way for us to deal with that is to share and show love,” Chofooklun said, confirming that he intends to make the initiative an annual exercise.

“If it’s not giving back to the adult community, we would work with the children,” he said, recalling that last year he supported a children’s party.

The hampers were distributed across communities with assistance from several ministers, and Chofooklun said he was particularly keen to deepen his involvement in St Michael areas close to his heart, including Eden Lodge, Cave Hill and Black Rock.

He also committed to expanding his community-focused efforts in the future.

“I know I have to do a lot more than what I’m doing now for my community based on all of the violence and different things that are happening and maybe even follow my passion and start a Big Brother programme, help people with CVs and that kind of stuff,” Chofooklun said, adding, “There’s a lot in the future that will happen. It’s just gonna take time.” (SZB)