SEVENTY children from Santa Mission were treated to a day of fun by the Roraima Group of Companies on Wednesday at Arrowpoint Resort.

The day began with the children scouting for Santa Claus, just after arriving at the resort.

Usually, Santa greets the children in an unorthodox fashion, but this year he only appeared after the children scampered around the premises in search of him and sang Christmas songs.

Coming out from his place of hiding, he brought his elves and then presented gifts to each child, individually. Receiving gifts was certainly a high-point for the children, but it was not the only time they received treats.

The day’s activities were paused for lunch and Santa Claus disappeared and Director of the Roraima Group of Companies, Gerry Gouveia Jr seemed to be the man who continued the festivities.

Speaking to members of the media, the young Gouveia said the Christmas fete was initiated by his parents and has been going on for about 20 years.

The genesis of this party came from the need to foster and solidify the relationship the community had with the resort and company.

Thus, in addition to hiring locals to work at the resort, the Christmas party was a way of giving back to the community. Moreover, Gouveia related that it has brought a unique opportunity to brighten up the faces of children there.

“Christmas is one of those [magical] times of the year; there are very few times that we can really indulge in the spirit of happiness and pure joy,” he said.

What began as a celebration carried out by Captain Gerry Gouveia has now become a family tradition and the younger Gouveia is deeply involved.

In keeping with this mandate to bring this ‘magic’ to children, the children were engaged in fun activities throughout the day, whether it was playing musical chairs, a spinoff ‘late for school’ (which involved kayaking) or racing to eating cakes.

There was a lot to do during the day and this was made possible by the Roraima Group of Companies with support from many other companies, including China Trading, Royal Castle, Churches Chicken and Sterling Products.