The spirit of more than 1,200 children including orphans were lifted on Thursday evening when First Lady Arya Ali visited several orphanages around Georgetown to distribute presents and other goodies.
The event, which was dubbed the ‘First Lady’s Christmas Parade,’ featured notable Christmas characters including Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, the Grinch, and Gingerbread man – all of whom were mounted atop two beautifully decorated trucks that traveled through the streets of Georgetown blaring Christmas music.
Stops were made at the Red Cross Convalescent Home, Sophia Care Centre, Bless the Children Home, St. John’s Basco Orphanage, Shaheed’s Girls and Boys Orphanages, St. Ann’s Girls Orphanage, Joshua House Children Centre, and Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.
Accompanied by the Christmas characters and a small group of elves and Santa’s helpers, the First Lady visited the orphanages and distributed presents, ice cream and sweets to the children who were visibly anxious to receive an early present.
“I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is for many of these children who are in institutional care. Not being able to spend the holidays with immediate or extended biological family is something that I have never experienced, but I know it must be difficult for many of them.
So it was important for me spend some time with these children and bring some cheer to them. I believe we were able to do that because they were very excited to see Santa and the other characters,” Mrs Ali said.
Toys were also distributed to children in neighbouring communities which included D’Urban Backlands, Sophia, Industry, and Better Hope, before the team made its way back to Main Street in the vicinity of State House – the official residence of the First Family.
At Main Street, the team distributed more toys and refreshments, and hundreds of patrons were able to take photographs with the First Lady and the other Christmas characters.
“Personally, this was an unforgettable experience for me because children were involved. As a mother, it brings me immense joy being able to make children happy and my team and I were able to do that,” she added. (Office of the First Lady press release)
