Kingston, Jamaica – December 14, 2017: There was much Christmas cheer on Thursday, December 14, when Food For The Poor (FFP) partnered with the Salvation Army to host its annual treat for Jamaica’s poor and indigent at Kingston’s Emmet Park. The event was one of a series of activities designed to bring hope, and an opportunity to celebrate this special time of the year with disadvantaged Jamaicans.

 
The over 2000 homeless and severely challenged persons from across Jamaica gathered at Emmet Park to enjoy a hot meal and lively entertainment in a relaxed environment. At the end of the day, everyone received with a gift package containing food and other items.

 
David Mair, Executive Director, FFP observed, “Our Christmas Treat at Emmet Park with the Salvation Army is a very special day for us. It means so much to us. We can share not only food but also music, entertainment and gifts for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. It’s something we look forward to every year and we work hard at making it a success.”

 
Major Selbourne Oates, Administrator for The Salvation Army’s William Chamberlain Centre added, “This day is a very big and meaningful day. It is a great time to come together, share a common meal and give gifts for the Christmas. It is an opportunity for us to share with FFP. This is one of the ways we spread the love of God together, giving people something that they will never forget. The people who come to this event talk about it all year and look forward to it before the tickets are even ready. Not only the Salvation Army and FFP, but other organizations who want to come in and share join in, helping to serve the food – such as students from the various schools and Salvation Army colleges. We welcome the idea of them partnering with us…We plan for months to make this event very special.”

Featured Photographs

Welcoming Guests from Across The Island: (from left) David Mair, Executive Director, Food For The Poor Jamaica, Major Selbourne Oates, Administrator For The Salvation Army, William Chamberlain Centre and Craig Moss-Solomon, Director of Wooden Houses, Food For The Poor welcome one of the over 2,000 attendees at Food For The Poor and the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Treat at Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday, December 14. Attendees from across the island, including residents of clusters D and G of The Golden Age Home, were treated to a hot meal and lively entertainment in a relaxed environment.  At the end of this one-day event, everyone was presented with a gift package containing food and general items, courtesy of both charities.

Clapping Hands and Praising God: Two members of the elderly community enjoy singing along and clapping to prayer songs as they await the delicious meal served to the over 2,000 homeless, less fortunate and severely challenged persons at Food For The Poor and the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Treat at Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday, December 14.

Salvation Army Band Provides Lively Entertainment: Members of the Salvation Army band provide festive music and live entertainment to the over 2,000 homeless, less fortunate and severely challenged at Food For The Poor and the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Treat at Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday, December 14.

Attendees Share Sentiments of Gratitude

Esmie Dixon, who attended the event, expressed her appreciation. “I’m glad to be here today to see some of my friends, especially the Salvation Army and Food For The Poor people,” she said. “We are very grateful for what they have done for us this year and in the previous years. I thank them very much and may the good Lord guide them and protect them.”

 
Another attendee, Munchie Hinds added: “It’s a pleasure to be here because I am disabled and there aren’t that many people or organizations that do what the Salvation Army and FFP are doing today. The food was delicious. I probably would never get another treat like this, so I look forward to this every year. There’s nothing else as good as this treat.”

 
Clair Reid, who also benefited from the treat, said it was a blessing for her to share the day with FFP and the Salvation Army. “Some of the people that come here really need it because they don’t have anything like it. People don’t look out for them so these little things help them. That’s why you see the place so full. They are so glad for it because they get a nice package and some good food. I enjoy it myself and I am going to dance all day even though I am disabled! Thank you for everything. It is good for you to be here every year. We love you with all our hearts.”