Scores of mothers and children gathered at American Stores' St James branch from 12:30 pm on Friday, as the Help Me Help You Foundation—in collaboration with Vybz Kartel, the One Caribbean Unity Festival and American Stores—shared Christmas hams, light refreshments, toys, clothing and appliances for several hours, while the allotment of items lasted until around 3:30 pm.
American Stores' Managing Director, Amir Maybodi said he was happy to help so many people and thrilled to partner with Jamaican star, Vybz Kartel.
Jamila Philip, in white, takes a photo with Santa Claus, Help Me Help You Foundation Director, Ornella Luces and American Stores' Managing Director, Amir Maybodi, as she collected a new fridge at the furniture store's St James branch on Friday 20 December 2024. [Image by NIGEL TELESFORD]
NIGEL TELESFORD
"He is one of my favourite entertainers of all time,” Maybodi said. “So, when he agreed to partner with us to give back to the fans and to the wider community, it was a no-brainer. Ms Ornella organised everything and coordinated the day perfectly."
Help Me Help You Foundation Director, Ornella Luces described the event as "a resounding success" and called on other artistes and corporate partners to do more for their communities.
Santa Claus presents toys and clothing to children assembled at American Stores in St James during the "Christmas Cheer" event hosted by the Help Me Help You Foundation, in collaboration with Vybz Kartel, American Stores and the One Caribbean Unity Festival, on Friday 20 December 2024. [Image by NIGEL TELESFORD]
NIGEL TELESFORD
"It made us so happy to help so many people today and to see the smiles on the children's faces while also giving some hope to their parents,” Luces told Guardian Media. “We will definitely want to do it again next year and hopefully for many more years to come, so we hope that other artistes will support, and other corporate entities will jump on board to assist as well.
She added: “We all know how hard the times are and how challenged most people and especially parents are to make ends meet, so we want to encourage and help facilitate those who are doing well to help those who are not and really make a difference."
American Stores employee, Michael Lemaitre traded his work uniform for a Santa Clause suit and presented toys and clothes to the children, as their parents lined up and waited for appliances such as kettles, toasters, blenders and a few stoves and fridges.
Help Me Help You Foundation Director, Ornella Luces and American Stores' Managing Director, Amir Maybodi, have a chat during their "Christmas Cheer" event held in collaboration with Jamaican star, Vybz Kartel and the One Caribbean Unity Festival. [Image by NIGEL TELESFORD]
NIGEL TELESFORD
Luces estimated that just under two hundred persons came to the store where over $100,000 worth of merchandise was distributed, including a bed and some cash for a mother whose house was recently destroyed in a fire.
"She was not on our list, but she came early and brought all her documents to show us what happened," Luces reported, "but she was crying also from telling and re-living the experience and didn’t want to be on camera or in photos.”
“Next year, we're gonna have to make it bigger and better with more stuff for the children,” she said, “’cause plenty children came and got bored waiting, so we need to get snacks and entertainment for them."
