Deserving residents of St. Vincent’s leeward communities welcomed Team RUBIS into their homes during Christmas 2023 sharing seasonal blessings of timely and essential Christmas hampers.
Hamper recipients were identified with the assistance of the government’s Social Welfare Department, and the distribution took place at River View, Fitz Hughes, Chateaubelair, Barrouallie, Layou, Buccament, Dubois, Penniston and Vermont.
Elroy Edwards, RUBIS Account Executive, said 2023 marked 10 years of RUBIS’ involvement in the Christmas hamper distribution initiative. “Christmas is most truly Christmas when it is commemorated by giving a hope of love to those in need. At RUBIS, we are honoured to continue our tradition of bringing smiles to the faces of the residents in our communities, particularly the elderly and heads of households who are unable to adequately provide for their families, especially in this season of goodwill,” he said.
The hampers were filled with essential food items, festive treats, and gifts, aiming to brighten the holiday season for the families.
Sharon Prince of Chateaubelair expressed her gratitude, saying, “RUBIS has not only started my Christmas but made it brighter. It is not just about the gifts; it’s knowing that RUBIS cares.”
Seventy-three-year-old Ronald Kirby of Walliabou, said it was lovely to be one of those receiving a hamper. “Although I’m blind I often hear about it on the radio and have looked forward to this gift. I feel loved.”
Susan Lewis expressed her gratitude on behalf of her 95-year-old grandmother Linda Lewis, the oldest person in Petit Bordel. “We appreciate RUBIS for remembering her and giving her this hamper, it means more than a lot. We are very grateful.”
“This partnership has strengthened our belief in the power of collective care and creates a lasting bond. Last year, l had the opportunity to meet the oldest man in Barrouallie; this year, I met the oldest person in Petit Bordel,” said Edwards.
A gleeful Nigel Quashie said: “Thank you for making this old man very happy.”
Olva “Pato” Richardson, a 67-year-old of Kearton’s Hill, Barrouallie, a former lead vocalist of the band “Resurrection”, was shocked at the visit, exclaiming, “RUBIS does surprise people!”
A teary-eyed Cecily Ceasar, 78, of Petit Bordel, amidst sobs, said: “Words cannot express the joy you have brought to me because I really needed this. God bless and keep RUBIS for thinking of me.”
Carlos James, the constituency representative for North Leeward commended RUBIS on the donations. “We are happy that RUBIS is able to put a smile on so many faces this holiday season. They have truly lived up to their corporate social responsibility in providing support to so many communities following the resulting challenges of a global health pandemic and the explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. Their contribution has added value to the government’s social protection measures and will go a long way in supporting vulnerable communities across the country.”
