Alessandro Boyd, Gleaner Writer
A total of 2,500 homeless and less fortunate individuals left Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday with smiles on their faces following the annual Christmas treat that was held by Food For The Poor in collaboration with the Salvation Army.
David Mair, executive director of Food For The Poor, said that since the inception of the treat 27 years ago, this year saw the biggest turnout so far.
"This is an annual feeding event that we do in collaboration with the Salvation Army. We do this every year, and what we do is bring the people in from the streets and give them food, among many other items," he told The Gleaner.
'GIVING TIME'
"You can imagine how grateful they are. I mean, they are getting, food, drinks, and entertainment. This is part of the giving back for us and embracing the festive season. It's really a giving time for everybody," Mair added.
Audrey Brown, a 77-year-old woman who was attending the treat for the first time, expressed gratitude for what she received at the treat.
"It was good because it was the first time I'm coming here and I really enjoyed myself. I enjoyed the food, the music, just everything. I heard about it from a friend who invited me and told me to get a ticket," she said.
Major Selbourne Oates, administrator at the William Chamberlain Centre run by the Salvation Army in Kingston also commended everyone who came together to make the event a success.
"I think that overall, this is a very good venture. When you look at what it is and the effect that it is having on these senior citizens, it makes you smile. When you plan for a group of this nature, this magnitude, it takes a lot, and to see it bearing fruit is a wonder," he said.
alessandro.boyd@gleanerjm
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