The joys of the yuletide season came home to residents of Buccament, Layou and Barrouallie, as TeamRUBIS and Santa traded the reindeers and sleigh for a more fuel-efficient vehicle to deliver over 45 Christmas hampers to deserving residents in these communities, valued at EC$15,000.
Happy smiles greeted Santa and some members of TeamRUBIS including Evron Allen, Rondre John and Country Representative Elroy Edwards. Expressing his absolute delight at being able to give back to communities in St. Vincent, Edwards said it was always one of the best experiences in life seeing smiles on the faces of those in need, particularly at Christmas time. “The season of goodwill can be a tough one for many people including the homeless, elderly, recently bereaved, disabled and those struggling to make ends meet,” Edwards said. “We at RUBIS, in light of the togetherness the holiday brings, are always happy to give back to the community and demonstrate the true meaning of this festive period, which is sharing,”
Now in its ninth year, the annual hamper drive has become a keenly anticipated tradition. This year the team also collaborated with the Social Protection Unit within the Ministry of National Mobilization. Among recipients expressing their appreciation was Buccament resident, 96 year old Ridley Antoine, for whom the visit was a pleasant surprise. “I’m very thankful to God that I’m alive to witness and receive this because I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. Hyacinth Cunningham, 72, who recently survived a stroke, was overwhelmed. “I appreciate what you’ve done for me. You’ve brought happiness to my heart and returned the smile on my face that this illness took from me. RUBIS, thank you,” the Layou resident said.
Social Worker, Anton Caesar hailed the initiative as a success, noting he hoped it would continue through the years: “I want to thank RUBIS for giving us the opportunity to be part of their Christmas initiative. The company brought joy, smiles and even tears of joy to homes that received a package. If success is measured by smiles I will say that RUBIS did a fantastic job.”
