Christmas Cheerfor C&W's Families
Anna Watlerand her son enjoying the Cable & Wireless Christmas party.
Something was in the air last week, a gentlestirring and cooling breeze that felt a lot like Christmas tomany children in the Cayman Islands. Santa Claus arrived threeweeks early this year at the annual Cable & Wireless Christmasparty and brought holiday celebration and good cheer to the familiesand extended 'families' of Cable & Wireless employees.
"Cable & Wireless holds this eventevery year as a special treat for the children and grandchildrenof our employees," said Andrea Fa'amoe, Corporate CommunicationsManager for Cable & Wireless. "It has become a well-lovedtradition for both parents and children, and we are very pleasedto give something back to our employees' families during the holidayseason."
For the more than 250 children who attendedthe merry party, it was a holiday dream come true with enoughactivities to keep young anxious minds occupied until the 25th.Some played games, others made Christmas tree ornaments and everyoneindulged in sweet Christmas treats. And, as if Santa was not enough,Tigger and Mickey Mouse also made surprise appearances and delightedthe enraptured children.
Surely, though, the most exciting eventfor the children was when each eager hand was filled with a specialgift from Santa.
Tigger andkids having a good time at Cable and Wireless's Christmas Partyfor staff and their families.
This year's festive event, however, carried a particularly specialmeaning for many children who were able to attend and partakein the merriment because of the generosity of several Cable &Wireless employees. These selfless individuals donated funds fromtheir own salaries, matched by Cable & Wireless, and sponsoredchildren in Social Services programs to attend. The Lions Clubof Grand Cayman also contributed to the giving spirit by sponsoringthe attendance of children from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
Mrs. Fa'amoe was overwhelmed by aboundingholiday altruism and charity. "Our staff supported the ideaand made it possible for the kids to attend," she said. "Severalemployees donated half of the amount to be spent on each child'sgift, with Cable & Wireless making up the rest. Our employeesdisplayed their Christmas spirit and the children had a greattime."
Continuing with the Christmas cheer, manystaff members also assisted wholeheartedly with the party. Donningred T-shirts to identify themselves as "Cable & WirelessSanta's Helpers", they helped blow up balloons, grill food,and organize the children's' games and crafts. In fact, the cheerwas contagious with several friends and relatives of employeeshappily volunteering as well.
"It was a great group effort and wethank all of the volunteers who made it possible," Mrs. Fa'amoesaid.
At the end of the day, parents and childrenjudged the party a great success. After listening to Santa reada story and getting those much-coveted presents, weary revelerstrooped out with handcrafted Christmas ornaments to await anotherscheduled visit form old St. Nick.
Come the official day of gift giving andholiday cheer, you may hear some children whispering, "Youmean we get to do this again?"