The numbers were expected to come in at 100, but we were a little short,  as only approximately 65 children of the La Coix Maingot community turned up for the Helen Television System/Helen Folk Dancers annual children’s party.  Held at the La Coix Maingot school  on Saturday 19th December , the treat attracted a special group of recipients, children whose parents  would  otherwise not have been able to purchase gifts and host a party in their honour this festive season, and boy what wonderful gifts did they received.

The event the 14th annual to date, hosted by the two collaborators HTS/Helen Folk Dancers, had for the second consecutive year received assistance from the US Army.  Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Anthony Blackman Public Affairs Specialist at the Embassy of the United States of America to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Acting as our liaison, Mr. Blackman introduced us to Major Ed "Marco" Harvey Deputy Chief, Military Liaison Office Barbados and Eastern Caribbean from whose generosity these specially selected children benefitted from. The smiles registered and in most cases plastered on their faces signified just how appreciative the recipients were.

As they queued patiently to receive their gifts selected off the shelves of M& C’s Drugstore, it was a pleasure to see that expression of gratitude.  From colourful  remote control helicopters and cars, spider man action figures, computers and other educational tools, board games and not forgetting the oh so popular Bratz and Barbie dolls, all delivered and presented by Santa Clause,  they  could not have asked for more.  Plus all that ice cream, juice, cake and candy, musical chairs and dance contests.  Who can we forget that special style of dancing/gyrating unique to La Coir Maingot community.  At the end of it all the boys and girls ages 5 to 10 all walked away, exhausted but happy to have been treated to some cheer this festive season.

We at HTS and the Helen Folk Dancers would like to express our sincerest thanks to all our benefactors particulary Major Ed Harvey and Mr. Anthony Blackman of the US Army.   Who can forget the contribution and first class service delivered by the manager of  M&C Drugstore manager Mrs. Fredrika Leon  and her staff, who like last year went beyond the call.

Thanks should also go to the teachers and parents of the students of the La Coix Maingot school for making this event a success.  We were also fortunate this year to again receive  toys from Governor General HE Dame Pearlette Louisy, a regular contributor and partner of this project. Our heartfelt thanks GG.  A new contributor this year was the organisation Lucian Power based in New York represented by   Fred “oldfred” Actie and Theron Prudent many thanks folks. 

For further information contact the RSLPF Public Relations Office: Tel: 456-3726/7, or Fax 456-3728. Email public_relations@rslpf.com