Christmas Community Outreach a huge success

Seniors, children and all in between were able to enjoy a host of live entertainment that included: Charles Jeffers, Nadanja, Gina Love, Christine Francisco, Tricray, Vasco Da Gama Carolers, Anointed for Praise Warriors, Laritta Adderley, Elca Marazana, Bermuda Gymnastics Association, Northlands Primary School Choir, and Toni Robinson.  Some other performers included Cedric Thomas, Jr., the Filipino Dancers, Mime Dawnette Stevens, Family members Ameina, Samira and Edwin Lewis, together Jamaine Jeffers, Big Snipes, Mount Zion Male Voice Choir and Place’s Gombeys.

There was FREE face painting and fun castles for the children and the seniors were treated to free soup and pizza as well as free health checks; and Phoenix pharmacists were on hand to give information.  In addition, there were FREE raffle giveaways that included six portable digital TV’s, free Apple EyeTV Mobile devices, turkeys, hams and much more.

The Pre-Christmas party was a culmination of GSPIC’s annual Christmas Community Outreach campaign that helps and supports children and seniors to obtain items that will help them during these challenging times, notably healthy food items for children and Phoenix gift cards for seniors to purchase much-needed medical items.  As of December 13, 2013, GSPIC was able to help 75 seniors (nominated through Age Concern, The Aerie Foundation and GSPIC’s website) and 60 children island-wide.  More specifically, GSPIC has developed a database of children they supported with school uniforms and healthy food items in the past year. Some are children affected by the gun violence (who are a part of the GSPIC “Champions Program).  After the event the ‘Safe Streets’ organization donated toys that will be given to children in the organization’s database.

The senior medical (Phoenix) gift card program and healthy food items for children (left behind by the gun violence) are exclusively GSPIC programs. They work in partnership with nutritionists, counselors and case workers to develop programs to match specific needs for children and seniors.

GSPIC raised just over $10,000.  In addition, BGA held an open warehouse sale on December 7, 2013 that will also benefit the organization.  Part proceeds will go towards a newly- established benevolent fund.

The Phoenix Stores, P-Tech and Brown & Co. will continue to receive donations at their registers during the holiday season that will benefit GSPIC; just ask the cashier to add a donation to your final total.

With Bermuda Broadcasting Company as the lead sponsor, other sponsors and supporters included: Lindo’s, BGA, Phoenix, Correia Construction, KPMG, The Market Place, Bermuda Pest Control, Surprise Scrapbooking Boutique, Top To Bottom Landscaping, Spanish Town, BELCO, Zurich and The Family & Friends Group together with several individual donors.

Other organizations that assisted were All 4 Fun, Fish & Tings, Robin Hood, Viking Foods and Portofino.

Highlights of the event will air on local TV 9 on Christmas Day.