IT was fun galore for more than 300 children at the Princess Hotel’s ‘Fun City’ last Saturday, where they had a near ‘Disneyland experience’, compliments of Comfort Sleep, Guyana’s leading manufacturer of foam mattresses and pillows.The occasion was Comfort Sleep’s annual Christmas party for children who are beneficiaries of the company’s School Feeding Programmes executed at six schools in West Demerara and New Amsterdam.

For the first time in eight years, the kids were brought together under one roof for a joint Christmas celebration which turned out to be the experience of a lifetime, leaving with them cherished memories.
The investment was worthwhile since, not only did it provide fun and excitement for the kids, but for the less fortunate children, it was an experience that undoubtedly made them feel special and “good about themselves,” a good way of building their self-esteem.
It was a day of great fun and excitement for the kids – bubbling and brimming with energy, as they made good of the facilities placed at their disposal.
Each child was given a ticket which entitled him/her to a sumptuous lunch, snacks, a gift from Santa Claus as well as a photograph receiving their gift from Santa.
They were also given an electronic card which allowed each of them to view movies; play 15 Nintendo games and/or enjoy rides on any of the scores of colourful and electrically-powered motorcars, trains, space craft, horses or pony rides, among other forms of kids entertainment.
The party started at 10:00 hrs and for the next five hours, it was fun non-stop with gay chatter. They showed that they are abreast with technology as each child managed the most sophisticated and exotic games and machines placed in their hands.
Among the games were Sonic Sega All Star Racing; Super Bikes; Dirty Driving Raging Storm; Sky Trooper; Fire Fighters; Water Park; Ducky Splash; Hummer; Over drive and Bed Monsters, to name a few.

The children were all very appreciative and thanked their sponsors, Managing Director, Mr. Dennis Charran, his wife Mrs. Sabita Charran and Administrative Manager, Amanda Chung for personally being with them from the beginning to the end of the party.
Teachers from the respective schools also accompanied the children to and from the party. The six groups were transported from their homes to the party and back by special buses provided by Comfort Sleep.
Meanwhile, asked for a comment on how he felt after undertaking such a herculean task, Mr. Charran, in his usual nonchalant style asserted: “All we wanted was to make the children happy for the Christmas, and that has been accomplished. We are now in the process of having them safely returned to their families.”
He extended best wishes for the Christmas holidays to the children and their families and also expressed appreciation to the shopping public.
“To our loyal customers, we wish to thank you for your patronage throughout the year, since each time you make a purchase, you are helping to feed some less fortunate child and bringing ultimate joy into their hearts and lives.”
Comfort Sleep has been feeding less fortunate children for the last eight years and hosting annual Christmas parties – all from the proceeds of the sales of its foam products.

(By Shirley Thomas)