After a successful few months of appealing and collecting shoeboxes, we were thrilled to hold our Christmas Party on Monday 12th December, during which we handed out the much-anticipated presents to the children of Sal Island, Cape Verde.
Hosted by The Resort Group PLC Founder, Rob Jarrett and the President of the Foundation, it was with great excitement that we gathered 350 schoolchildren from Santa Maria, Espargos and Palmeira at the MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa amphitheatre to receive a shoebox each from Santa Claus himself. The day began, after face painting, balloon animals and food, with performances from some very popular entertainers. Over in Cape Verde for the opening of The Resort Group PLC’s third Resort, Llana Beach Hotels and the Bikini Beach Club, a couple of Britain and Cape Verde’s most-loved stars, Jamelia and Fantcha, took the time to bring the party to the children. This was followed by a passionate performance from the resident animation team of a much-loved classic – The Lion King. It all went down a storm with the children, who cheered loudly for each and every act.
It was soon time for the big moment and as Santa made his debut appearance, with plenty of excitement in the air. Barely containing their happiness, the children politely queued to receive their shoebox. It was a fantastic moment, facilitated by supporters of the Cape Verde Foundation, as well as staff and friends, who thoughtfully donated everything from clothing and toys to stationary and little luxuries. As the presents were opened and children rejoiced in every item they’d received, it was clear that the donations really would make their Christmas.
The event was covered by local TV station RTC (see below for a full transcript) and we were grateful to our guests of honour, including the Mayor of Sal, Mr Julio Lopes; Councilman of Youth, Sports, Education and RH, Mr. Euclides Silva do Rosário; Councilman of Decentralized Santa Maria Management and Municipal Police Management, Mr. Hermínio Duarte Monteiro and the Representative for the Ministry of Education, Lúcia Baptista for their attendance.
We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank every person who donated, from staff at The Resort Group PLC, Blimey Creative, Chameleon Print & Design and Lindsay Phillips Property Care, as well as supporters and holidaymakers who went above and beyond to help make a child’s Christmas. It was a fun-packed afternoon for the children and adults so we’re already eager to start work on the Christmas Shoebox Appeal for 2017. Will you be donating?
A Naçáo: Cover Image Photo Credit
RTC video transcript
Presenter: And in Sal, the Resort Group Foundation served a Christmas lunch and gifts to around 350 disadvantaged children from primary schools on the island. The initiative, running for 6 years, represents an act of kindness towards children from the poorest families.
Voiceover: The Hotel Meliá Dunas was once again full of children from all primary schools in Sal for the sixth Christmas party held by the Resort Group Foundation. It was an afternoon of fun and games. A concert by singer Fantcha and her band thrilled the children, especially with the song “Saudade”. British singer Jamelia also got the crowd dancing. But the children were most excited by the Lion King show.
Reporter: Is this your first time at the party?
Child: Yes
Reporter: Are you enjoying it?
Child: Yes
Reporter: What did you like?
Child: Everything.
Reporter: What was the best bit?
Child: The singers, I liked it when that lady sang.
Reporter: Did you enjoy the day?
Child: Yes.
Reporter: What was the best bit?
Child: Santa Claus.
Reporter: Anything else? What else did you like?
Child: That Simba film.
Reporter: The Lion King? Was it good?
Child: Yes.
Reporter: Would you like to come again?
Child: Yes.
Voiceover: Resort Group’s president, Rob Jarrett, was happy to be able to provide this Christmas present again to the children of Sal.
Rob Jarrett: We’re really proud of this party, it’s a special party for us and we hope it’s special for the community of Sal too. We’re really keen to do this every year, allowing the children to enjoy the Christmas spirit. In the near future, we also aim to help improve cooking in schools and donate food. We want to assist children’s education with food, clothes… We want to give them a better life.
Voiceover: The representative of the Education Ministry in Sal emphasised the value of the partnership and hopes it will continue.
Education Minister: I hope it continues, as each year it makes more children happy. It’s a memorable moment, not just because of the presents, but because it’s a pleasant afternoon full of fun activities. It’s great for the children.