(ZIZ News) — Christmas came early for a group of children on Wednesday, as Santa distributed presents in independence square, all part of a Holiday Gift Project with a major cruise line
It was a day of smiles and gifts on Wednesday as dozens of children received gifts provided by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association.
The Holiday Gift Project is a joint venture between the Tourism Authority and the FCCA which provides gifts to children in foster homes or institutions where holiday gifts would not ordinarily be possible.
Joan Jontilano, a youth counsellor on the Celebrity Eclipse said it’s their way of giving back.
“If you look in the port in every winter we’re always here and we, as a company and the crew of the ship, wanna give back to the communities that we visit and it’s a nice thing, especially for kids that are maybe underprivileged or somebody that may not be able to get a toy like the company has provided us to give as gifts today,” she said.
“It’s really nice for us to give back because a lot of us are away from our families and some of us have kids at home and so it’s just nice for us to give back when we’re here in port,” she added.
Product Development Officer in the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Goldha Franks said they’re happy to partner with the FCCA to bring some Christmas joy to the children.
“It’s a really good feeling. It’s about giving back to the community, giving back to society, especially children. This is the season of giving so it’s a great opportunity to be a part of this event,” she said.
According to a statement from the Tourism Authority, in 2015, 40 destinations participated in the programme, with over 8,000 children receiving holiday gifts.