Having a gas: families enjoy Christmas event

Gina Spence Productions joined forces with Terceira’s gas stations to collect about 600 toys at the firm’s Warwick location.

Ms Spence’s charity also held a Christmas Community Festival and gave away 100 Christmas hampers.

She said: “The event went really well — it was a fun, festive environment.”

Ms Spence moved the annual event from Court Street in Hamilton to Warwick as part of the link-up, which is expected to continue in future years.

She said: “You never know what to expect with a new location and partnership but, Terceira’s, being our main sponsor, were really hands on.

“They gave us the venue, helped with the trucking and even the posters. It felt like a true partnership.”

Ms Spence added: “People came from as far as St David’s and Somerset — they were very appreciative.

“Santa was there and was dancing away.”

There were giveaways throughout the day including free food and drinks from sponsors including wholesalers BGA.

Gas vouchers from Terceira’s were also up for grabs.

The event included free medical checks by Phoenix Pharmacy in a bid to promote good health, as well as fitness and martial arts demonstrations and music.

Ms Spence said the event reminded her of the block parties hosted by late businesswoman Maria Benn Ibel.

She added: “She did them every summer and everything was free. What it did was create a true community spirit.”

Ms Spence said: “We serve our clients all year round so this was another opportunity to support families in need and to provide children with a really happy Christmas with toys and food.

The goal is to settle in and make it our location. It just goes to show what collaboration can do.”

Teddy Terceira, general manager of the Warwick gas station, thanked everybody involved.

He added: “It was a really positive event for family and friends that was full of community togetherness.

“We look forward to a bigger, better version the same time next year.”

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